Title: Founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick Arrested Under UAPA for Alleged Pro-China Propaganda
In a shocking development, Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and editor-in-chief of news website NewsClick, has been arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and criminal conspiracy charges. This move has come after accusations that Purkayastha received foreign funds for promoting pro-China propaganda, which is illegal in India.
Adding to the controversy, Amit Chakravarty, head of human resources at NewsClick, was also arrested in connection with the case, exposing a wider scope of alleged wrongdoing within the media organization.
The arrests followed extensive raids conducted at the NewsClick office and the homes of several journalists and writers associated with the website. These actions were part of an ongoing investigation into potential illegal foreign funding of the media company. As part of the probe, police seized laptops and mobile phones as evidence.
The case against NewsClick and its journalists was registered in August based on allegations that the website received funds from a US millionaire who had been accused of disseminating Chinese government talking points. The incident unfolded against the backdrop of mounting tensions between India and China following military clashes in 2020.
Critics have condemned the raids and arrests as an assault on freedom of the press and an infringement on freedom of speech. Citing concerns over shrinking press freedom in the country, India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted to an all-time low of 161st place.
Many argue that Prime Minister Modi’s government has been systematically targeting journalists and rights groups in an attempt to suppress dissenting opinions and critical voices. This development has sparked fears of a growing crackdown on the media and civil liberties.
The arrest of Prabir Purkayastha, a prominent journalist, will undoubtedly fuel the ongoing debate surrounding press freedom in India. As the nation grapples with these challenges, it is imperative to uphold the principles of a free and independent press for the sake of a healthy democracy and a well-informed citizenry.
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