Media in political cross hairs; On NYT lead, Delhi Police seal NewsClick

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By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi, October 3: “Spontaneous well attended meeting of journalists at Press Club of India this afternoon condemned the simultaneous raid at several places on journalists. Plan of protest action will be spelt out soon. No one present in doubt that govt wants to muzzle independent media,” posted senior journalist Neena Vyas on X after hundreds of the Special Cell sleuth of Delhi Police swooped down on about 30 scribes associated with NewsClick, a media platform.

After a report in The New York Times claimed links of NewsClick with Neville Roy Singham, an American investor alleged to have links with the propaganda wings of China, cases under the UAPA — Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act – were slapped against the news portal. A report in the Kolkata-based The Telegraph claimed that the NYT report didn’t claim any violation of laws by NewsClick.

“Their laptops, mobile phones and other devices have been seized. Senior journalists have been taken into custody by the Delhi Police, allegedly for ‘questioning.’ Media reports suggest that the raids have been widespread. The raids are reportedly being conducted in connection with an FIR filed under the draconian UAPA and laws relating to criminal conspiracy and disruption of communal harmony against journalists, including those associated with the website Newsclick.in,” said Editors Guild of India in a statement.

One of the scribe who faced the questioning was Abhishar Sharma, who posted on X on Tuesday morning – “Delhi police landed at my home. Taking away my laptop and Phone…”. In a pinned tweet, Sharma accused the BJP MP Nishikant Dubey of spreading lies against him. “Where has the New York Times named me as the owner of NewsClick,” asked Sharma in a video post, accusing Dubey of carrying out defamation against him.

Another section of journalists sought to normalize the action against scribes associated with NewsClick. Abhijit Majumder posted on X: “Tamil Nadu cops came hunting for me on an FIR only for writing a piece criticising Udhayanidhi (Stalin)’s call to eradicate Sanatan Dharma. Editors’ Guild, Press Club, Lutyens gang were mum. Today, raids on #Newsclick for taking Chinese money to hit India. Wails are reaching Beijing.” It may be recalled that Editors Guild of India, Press Club of India, and Indian Women Press Club had not issued any statement against the release of the negative list by the Opposition alliance.

A few days ago, the Opposition block, Indian National Development and Inclusive Alliance (INDA) had released a list of 14 television anchors in whose shows their spokespersons wouldn’t be taking part in debate. The government also justified the action against NewsClick, with Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur telling reporters that the Delhi Police took action as per the laws.