Newsclick founder Purkayastha accused of terror funding in 8,000-page chargesheet
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has accused NewsClick and its founder, Prabir Purkayastha, of several offenses, including terror funding and promoting Chinese propaganda in its chargesheet. The accusations also include involvement in the farmers' protests and the 2020 Delhi riots. The Special Cell filed the 8,000-page chargesheet on March 30, nearly six months after Purkayastha was arrested under the stringent anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Why does this story matter?
Purkayastha, along with Amit Chakravarty, the head of the human resources department, were arrested on October 3, 2023, over allegations of receiving foreign money for pro-China propaganda. They were arrested months after authorities registered a case against NewsClick and its journalists on August 17, 2023. The move was preceded by a New York Times article, which alleged that NewsClick received cash from US businessman Neville Roy Singham, who, according to the newspaper, "sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points."
Allegations of terror funding and Chinese propaganda
The chargesheet alleges that Newsclick Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha was part of a conspiracy to financially support terrorist organizations, including the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba. It is claimed that Newsclick channeled funds amounting to ₹91 crore for such activities. Additionally, Purkayastha is accused of tampering with maps to depict India without Kashmir and Aksai Chin, thereby supporting Chinese territorial claims.
Accusations of disinformation campaign and anti-vaccine propaganda
The chargesheet also accuses Newsclick of participating in a malicious disinformation campaign related to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Purkayastha is further alleged to have collaborated with American millionaire Singham, among others, to publish articles against vaccines produced by Indian pharmaceutical companies. This action is said to have tarnished the image of the Indian government.
Newsclick accused of promoting Chinese propaganda
According to the chargesheet, Purkayastha maintained active connections with the Communist Party of India (Maoist)—which was declared a terrorist organization under the First Schedule of the UAPA, 1967. It claims that witness testimony revealed human rights activist Gautam Navlakha and Purkayastha supported and funded the Maoists/Naxalites' activities. Furthermore, Purkayastha and Newsclick are accused of promoting Chinese propaganda through their platform. On Tuesday, the Patiala House Court took cognizance of the chargesheet and scheduled May 31 for arguments.
