Alleged Chinese propaganda outlet NewsClick's Founding Editor & HR Head remanded to 7 days police custody in UAPA case

New Delhi: Digital media outlet NewsClick's Founding Editor Prabir Purkayastha and Human Resources Head Amit Chakravarty have been remanded to 7 days police custody by a Delhi Court on Tuesday in a case registered against them under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

They were arrested following a series of raids conducted on contributors, editors and independent journalists of NewsClick after an article in New York Times stated that NewsClick was being paid to boost Chinese propaganda.

New York Times had stated in its article that NewsClick was funded by a network linked with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham.

NewsClick also faces a money laundering case filed against it by the Economic Offences Wing earlier for overvaluing of shares, diversion of funds and violation of foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations.

NewsClick and Purkayastha had earlier approached the Delhi High Court seeking quashing of, and a copy of the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed by the ED against them in the money laundering case.

They were granted interim protective against coercive action in this case in 2021.

The Delhi High Court in August also issued notice to NewsClick and Purkayastha in a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking vacation of these orders protecting them from coercive action.