Today(on 30th April), Delhi court recognizes UAPA charge against NewsClick founder for alleged pro-China propaganda; HR Head Amit Chakravarty granted approver status.
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DELHI: Today(on 30th April), Delhi court has taken cognizance of a charge sheet filed against Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, under the anti-terror law UAPA. The case revolves around allegations that the news portal received money to spread pro-China propaganda.
Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur has stated that there is sufficient evidence against the accused and has directed the prosecution to provide a copy of the charge sheet to Purkayastha.
The court has scheduled arguments on the framing of charges for May 31.
In January, the court had granted permission to NewsClick’s HR Head, Amit Chakravarty, to become an approver in the case. Chakravarty, who was arrested in connection with the matter, had applied for pardon, claiming that he possessed crucial information that he was willing to disclose to the Delhi police, which is currently investigating the case. The judge accepted his plea, and Chakravarty was pardoned. Both Chakravarty and Purkayastha are presently in judicial custody.
According to the FIR, a significant amount of funds allegedly came from China to the news portal with the intention of “disrupting the sovereignty of India” and inciting disaffection against the country. The charge sheet also accuses Purkayastha of conspiring with a group called the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to sabotage the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
The investigation conducted by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police led to raids being conducted at 88 locations in Delhi and seven other states on October 3 last year. These raids targeted individuals named in the FIR, as well as those identified through data analysis. As a result of the searches, approximately 300 electronic gadgets were seized from the premises of NewsClick and the residences of the journalists who were subjected to examination.
The Special Cell questioned a total of 46 individuals, including nine female journalists. The case has drawn significant attention due to the allegations of foreign influence and attempts to disrupt the democratic process in India. The charges under the UAPA reflect the seriousness of the allegations against Purkayastha and the potential ramifications of the case.
The Delhi Police’s investigation into the matter, including the raids and seizure of electronic gadgets, underscores the commitment to thoroughly investigate allegations of foreign interference and attempts to undermine the democratic process. The case raises important questions about media ethics, foreign influence, and the responsibility of news organizations in disseminating accurate and unbiased information.
ALSO READ: Delhi Police Files Chargesheet Against NewsClick for Alleged “Pro-China Propaganda”
As the case moves forward, it will be closely watched by legal experts, media professionals, and the public alike. The outcome of the trial will not only impact the individuals involved but also have broader implications for the media and the fight against disinformation campaigns in India.
