Founder Of Newsclick Accused Of Terror Funding

His name is linked to the farmers' protests as well…

On Wednesday, 01 May 2024, The Delhi Police in its chargesheet against Newsclick, which is a prominent news portal, and its founder Prabir Purkayastha, accused them of several offenses like terror funding and promoting Chinese propaganda.

The charge sheet comprises nearly 8,000 pages with annexures. It also links Mr. Purkayastha to the farmers' protests and the 2020 Delhi riots as well.

Mr. Purkayastha is being investigated under the anti-terror law UAPA for allegedly receiving funding to broadcast Chinese propaganda in India.

The NewsClick founder and its head of HR Amit Chakravarty were arrested on October 3 2023 by Delhi Police's Special Cell. They were taken into custody after police raids across the city, and charged under the UAPA. Both have since been lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail.

The Police allege that Mr. Purkayastha was involved in collecting funds for terrorist activities.

According to the chargesheet, there is evidence linking him to a conspiracy aimed at funding and supporting terrorist organisations, including the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. The chargesheet claims that funds amounting to Rs. 91 crores were channelled through Newsclick for such activities.

Mr. Purkayastha is accused of altering maps to portray a country without Kashmir and Aksai Chin, effectively endorsing Chinese territorial claims.

Additionally, Newsclick is alleged to have engaged in a malicious disinformation campaign, particularly concerning protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).