New Delhi: The Human Resources head of NewsClick, the news website currently under investigation for alleged Chinese propaganda funding in India and facing charges under the anti-terror law UAPA, has applied to become a government witness or approver. According to sources, Amit Chakravarty, the senior staffer, recorded his statement on Saturday and filed the application in Delhi's Patiala House Court.
On October 3, Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested Amit Chakravarty and NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha following raids across the city. Both were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and have been held in Delhi's Tihar Jail. Last week, the same court rejected Prabir Purkayastha's plea to release electronic devices seized in the raids. The case gained attention after The New York Times reported that NewsClick received substantial funds from organizations linked to Neville Roy Singham, an American millionaire reportedly associated with Chinese state-run media.
The Delhi Police's case alleges that these funds were "routed from China in a circuitous and camouflaged manner" and used for paid news intentionally criticizing domestic policies and development projects. NewsClick is accused of receiving ₹9.59 crore in funding from the US-registered Worldwide Media Holdings LLC in 2018/19, violating FDI (foreign direct investment) laws. The investment is alleged to have occurred by overvaluing the company's shares to evade the 26% FDI cap in a digital news website.
NewsClick and Prabir Purkayastha have denied all charges, with the latter stating in November that the abuse of due process by the investigating agency was meant to create a "chilling effect." The argument presented was that criminal cases were intended to "silence" independent and impartial reporting, and the funds were legitimately sourced with proper paperwork filed.
In November, the Enforcement Directorate summoned Neville Roy Singham for questioning after the Delhi court issued a Letter Rogatory, a formal request to Chinese courts for help. Mr. Singham, named an accused by the ED, has denied all charges. The ED's involvement came after Delhi Police's October raids.
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