The Delhi police on Tuesday approached a city court, seeking an extension of time to conclude its investigation in the NewsClick case filed under the anti-terror law UAPA.
The allegations in question revolve around the NewsClick portal receiving funds to disseminate pro-China propaganda.
The application was presented before Special Judge Hardeep Kaur, who scheduled the hearing for December 22, citing the need for more time to complete the investigation.
On October 3, the Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested the founder and editor-in-chief of the news portal, Prabir Purkayastha, and HR Head Amit Chakravarty. Both individuals are presently in judicial custody. According to the FIR, a substantial amount of funds from China was directed to the news portal with the intent to “disrupt the sovereignty of India” and foster disaffection against the country.
The FIR also alleges that Purkayastha conspired with the People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism (PADS) to undermine the electoral process during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Raids were conducted at 88 locations in Delhi and seven in other states on October 3, targeting individuals named in the FIR and those identified during data analysis.
Police reported the seizure of around 300 electronic gadgets from NewsClick offices and the residences of examined journalists.
Following the raids, the Special Cell questioned 46 individuals, including nine female journalists.
