News Click founder Prabir Purkayastha gets 6-day judicial custody extension

| Updated: 17 February, 2024 8:20 pm IST

New Delhi: Prabir Purkayastha, the founder of News Click, has been granted an extension of six days in judicial custody by Delhi’s Patiala House Courts. The decision comes amid an ongoing case concerning the news portal’s alleged receipt of foreign funds from Chinese sources.

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police sought a 10-day extension of Purkayastha’s judicial custody, citing the need for further investigation into the matter. Following arguments presented by both sides, the court opted to extend his custody by six days.

In a significant development related to the case, the HR head of News Click, Amit Chakravarty, had previously filed a request before the court to become an approver. Subsequently, the court granted him permission to act as an approver in the proceedings.

The allegations against Purkayastha and Chakravarty pertain to the purported reception of foreign funds from Chinese sources, which were allegedly used to disseminate anti-India propaganda, undermine the country’s sovereignty, and incite disaffection among its populace.

Both of them were taken into custody following police raids conducted at various locations, including residences of journalists associated with the news outlet. They face serious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) related to terrorism.

Concurrently, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the premises of the firm, while the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated legal proceedings under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

The investigative process was initiated following a detailed report by The New York Times, which alleged that NewsClick had received a significant amount of Rs 38 crore from a US-based millionaire named Neville Roy Singham, purportedly linked to the propaganda arm of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The case continues to unfold, drawing significant scrutiny and attention due to the complexities surrounding the alleged foreign funding and its potential implications for India’s internal affairs.