Delhi police raids journalists, individuals linked to media outlet NewsClick

Delhi Police’s Special Cell is conducting multiple raids at the residences of various journalists and people associated with the news outlet NewsClick

Delhi Police’s Special Cell in the early morning of October 3 conducted multiple raids at the residences of various journalists and people associated with the news outlet NewsClick, sources said. The searches are currently under way.

A source, however, said that some other agencies are also likely to be involved in the action that was initiated based on inputs from the Enforcement Directorate in connection with foreign funds.

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Senior journalist Abhisar Sharma said on social media platform X (formerly, twitter), “Delhi police landed at my home. Taking away my laptop and Phone...”

Confirming the development, Journalist Bhasha Singh, who hosts a talk show at NewsClick, said on X, “Finally last tweet from this phone. Delhi police seizure my phone.”

The Enforcement Directorate had searched the premises linked to NewsClick in February 2021, in connection with a money laundering investigation into receipt of about ₹38 crore from a U.S.-based entity having links in China, between 2018 and 2021, as alleged.

On June 21, 2021, the Delhi High Court had directed the ED not to take any coercive action against NewsClick and Mr. Purkayastha in connection with the money laundering case.