India news site’s raid on journalists’ homes fuels concerns about press freedom.
As part of an investigation using a broad anti-terror law, police in New Delhi raided the residences of renowned journalists connected to a left-leaning news organisation known for its scrutiny of the Indian government. Media organisations criticised the action as an assault on press freedoms.
Following the raid on Tuesday, Delhi police released a brief statement stating that 46 people had been interrogated and that digital devices and papers had been taken for inspection.
Those questioned include journalists, editors, and contributors with ties to NewsClick, a free-standing news source well recognised for its scathing criticism of the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prabir Purkayastha, the outlet’s founder and editor, and a coworker, Amit Chakravarty, were reportedly detained by police, and a UAPA investigation — an anti-terror law that critics have called “draconian” and that makes it difficult to get bail — is currently underway.
Some of those detained for interrogation posted updates about the raids on Twitter, now called X, as they happened.
Bhasha Singh, a writer and activist, posted one final message before having her devices taken: “Finally last tweet from this phone. My phone has been seized by Delhi police.
Journalist Abhisar Sharma reported that Delhi police were at his residence at 8:05 a.m. local time and were about to seize his equipment.
A few hours later, he added: “I am back home after a day-long interrogation by Delhi Special Cell. There will be a response to every query. Nothing to fear. And I’ll continue to question those in positions of authority, especially those who shudder at being questioned simply.
Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, a journalist and consultant for NewsClick, said police questioned him about whether he had covered the 2020 Delhi riots, a series of violent intercommunal clashes that left dozens dead, and the legendary yearlong farmer’s protest movement against contentious agricultural laws.
At 6:30 in the morning, nine police officers arrived at his Gurugram home, he said.
Independent media in India has expressed shock and fury over the raids, claiming that Modi and his right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are tightening their control over press freedom.
The BJP has been contacted by CNN for comment.
Anurag Thakur, the minister of information and broadcast, stated that he did not need to defend the police action during a speech on Tuesday in Odisha.
“Agencies are free to carry out investigations against them under set guidelines if anyone has committed anything wrong,” he said.
