The controversy surrounding NewsClick has reached a boiling point, with a New York Times report linking the portal to a global network allegedly funded by American billionaire Neville Roy Singham, with ties to the Chinese government's media apparatus. Amidst this chaos, women journalists have found themselves at the centre of NewsClick raids, facing intense scrutiny, searches, and seizures by the Delhi Police and other security agencies.
In this in-depth article, we delve into the human side of these raids, the controversial tactics used, the reasons behind them, and the reactions they have ignited.
The Human Side of the Raids
Imagine waking up to a sudden intrusion of law enforcement into your home. That's what happened to a 30-year-old journalist residing in Delhi. Clad in a mix of uniforms and plain clothes, the police arrived with a clear mission: to seize electronic devices. What's more, they hinted at the possibility of using force if cooperation was not forthcoming. This journalist described their tactics as a "good cop, bad cop" routine, adding to the psychological strain of the situation.
Not content with seizing devices, the police delved into personal bank statements, questioned financial dealings with foreign entities, and even probed into the journalists' family backgrounds. This invasion into their private lives left many shaken and disillusioned. One can't help but wonder why these journalists, who were merely doing their jobs, were subjected to such intrusive scrutiny.
One journalist aptly remarked, "If they believe there is financial irregularity, they should go to the promoters and owners. Why target people like us who are doing our jobs and taking a salary at the end of the month?" The raids, lasting for hours, left their lives turned upside down, and included searches through personal belongings and rooms.
The fallout from these events has been significant, with one young journalist expressing a newfound sense of insecurity in her profession. She fears that conducting honest journalism and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities have now become risky endeavours in India.
Seizure of Electronic Devices: A Controversial Tactic
The confiscation of electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops, and hard drives, during these raids has raised eyebrows. While not categorically illegal under Indian law, allegations of police overreach and disregard for documentation rules during seizures have been made. Chapter VII of the Code of Criminal Procedure requires court-sanctioned warrants for searches, unless an immediate search is necessary, in which case, reasons must be provided.
Reports suggest that such procedures were not followed during the searches, further fueling concerns about the legality and propriety of these actions.
The "Why" Behind the Raids
The NewsClick raids did not occur in a vacuum; they have roots in an ongoing investigation into the funding of the news website. These actions were conducted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code. Although the exact details of the case remain undisclosed, it is noteworthy that NewsClick had previously been under scrutiny by the Enforcement Directorate on money laundering charges. The Delhi High Court, in 2021, barred the federal agency from taking coercive actions against NewsClick.
The situation escalated further when a New York Times report implicated NewsClick in a global network that allegedly received funding from American billionaire Neville Roy Singham, who had ties to the Chinese government. It alleged that the portal published content promoting China's narrative. This report fueled political controversies, the government took action against NewsClick, which had already been under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate on money laundering charges. However, NewsClick vehemently denied these allegations, and the case remains a matter of contention.
The Chinese Connection
The allegations of Chinese funding and influence added a new layer of complexity to the situation. NewsClick was accused of promoting China's narratives, particularly concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. It also cited a NewsClick video titled "China's history continues to inspire the working classes." This report ignited political debates during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the ruling party (BJP) attacking the opposition over the issue. The funds in question, totalling over INR 38 crore, allegedly reached controversial figures in Indian journalism and activism. The origin of these funds was traced back to an undisclosed source in China.
The situation escalated further when Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakraborty, a shareholder in the company, were arrested under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Media and Government Responses: A Divided Narrative
The reaction to these raids has been mixed. While Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, has defended the police action, several opposition leaders and press bodies have condemned it. The Editors Guild of India expressed concern about the raids and detention of journalists, urging the state to uphold due process. The Press Club of India launched a #DefendMediaFreedom campaign.
The Network of Women in Media and the Indian Women Press Corps have raised their voices against what they view as harassment by government agencies.
In this climate, where media freedom is at stake, India's fall in the World Press Freedom Index from 150th to 161st rank raises significant concerns. The Network of Women in Media in India decried the raids as an assault on prominent voices of dissent.
The events surrounding these raids, their motivations, and the responses they have elicited reveal the complex interplay between media, power, and accountability in the world's largest democracy. As the dust settles, one question remains: will the press continue to hold the powerful accountable, or will fear and intimidation cast a long shadow over journalism in India?
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