The Delhi Police has unveiled a staggering 8,000-page chargesheet against Newsclick, a news portal, and its founder Prabir Purkayastha, alleging a range of serious offences, including terror funding and propagating Chinese propaganda. The chargesheet, accompanied by annexures, also draws links between Purkayastha and significant events like the farmers’ protests and the 2020 Delhi riots.
Purkayastha finds himself under intense scrutiny under the anti-terror law UAPA, accused of receiving funding to disseminate Chinese propaganda within Bharat. He and Newsclick’s head of HR, Amit Chakravarty, were apprehended by Delhi Police’s Special Cell on October 3 last year following citywide raids. Both have been detained in Delhi’s Tihar Jail ever since.
Allegations
Terror Financing Allegations: The chargesheet alleges Purkayastha’s involvement in procuring funds for terrorist activities, including aiding banned outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba. The document claims that a staggering sum of ₹ 91 crore was funnelled through Newsclick for these purposes.
Disinformation Campaign: Purkayastha stands accused of manipulating maps to depict Bharat without Kashmir and Aksai Chin, thereby supporting Chinese territorial claims. Newsclick is further accused of orchestrating a disinformation campaign, particularly surrounding protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA and the National Register of Citizens or NRC.
Incitement of Protests and Riots: The chargesheet alleges Purkayastha’s involvement in instigating the farmers’ protests and the Delhi riots, alongside funding various terrorist organisations. Newsclick is accused of mobilising masses against the CAA/NRC, disseminating misinformation, and sowing discord through its reporting.
Covid Vaccine Misinformation: Purkayastha is accused of colluding with Neville Roy Singham, an American millionaire, and others to publish articles disparaging vaccines made by Indian pharmaceutical companies, thus tarnishing the Indian government’s image.
Links with Maoists: Delhi Police asserts Purkayastha’s active involvement with the Communist Party of India (Maoist), alleging financial support for their activities.
Chinese Propaganda Allegations: Purkayastha and Newsclick are accused of promoting Chinese propaganda, allegedly receiving substantial funds for this purpose.
The Patiala House Court in Delhi has acknowledged the chargesheet, setting May 31 as the date for the hearing. The gravity of the allegations against Purkayastha and Newsclick underscores the significance of the upcoming legal proceedings.
