New Delhi: Two employees of NewsClick, editor Prabir Purkayastha and administrator Amit Chakravarty, were arrested by Delhi police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The arrests occurred during a series of raids conducted at nearly 50 journalists and commentators associated with NewsClick.

A total of 37 men and nine women were raided and questioned in connection with FIR number 224/2023. While the men were taken to the Delhi police special cell’s office, the women were questioned at their residences. Police seized documents and electronic devices such as laptops and mobile phones for examination.

By approximately 8:30 pm, all those taken to the special cell’s office were released, except for Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty. Notably, Amit Chakravarty, the head of the HR department, is a person with disabilities who uses crutches.

The case against NewsClick was registered on August 17, 2023, and invokes various sections of the UAPA, along with sections of the Indian Penal Code. It reportedly originated from a New York Times report in August, where BJP MP Nishikant Dubey cited the report in the Lok Sabha to allege that Congress leaders and NewsClick had received funds from China to create an “anti-India” atmosphere.

These raids on journalists and commentators have drawn comparisons to the 1975 Emergency era. Several prominent figures, including video journalist Abhisar Sharma, senior journalist Bhasha Singh, veteran journalists Urmilesh and Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, writer Githa Hariharan, Aunindyo Chakravarty, Sohail Hashmi, and Sanjay Rajaura, were among those raided.

Homes of past and present Newsclick journalists, contributors, and employees were targeted in the raids. The police did not provide hash values for the seized digital devices, which could detect any tampering.

The NewsClick office in New Delhi has been locked by the police.

According to Special Cell DCP (PRO) Suman Nalwa, the proceedings are still ongoing, and two individuals, Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty, have been arrested so far. Further investigation is in progress.

Some of those questioned reported being asked unusual questions, such as their use of specific communication apps and international calls. The raids extended for several hours at some locations.

These raids have raised concerns about press freedom and civil liberties, with widespread criticism from various quarters.