CBI takes over probe into FCRA violations, searches underway at Puryakastha’s residence in NewsClick case
c, in the national capital on Wednesday.
A CBI source said that a case has been registered and the probe will begin soon.
The source said that the CBI is also carrying out searches at the premises of NewsClick and its editor Prabir Purkayashtha in Delhi.
The development comes days after the Delhi Police’s Special Cell carried out searches at multiple locations in the national capital, including the premises of NewsClick and journalists associated with it in connection with a case registered under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
On October 3, in a statement regarding the search, seizure, and detentions carried out in connection with the UAPA case registered by the Special Cell, the Delhi Police had said that a total of 37 male suspects were questioned at office premises, while nine female suspects were questioned at their respective places of stay.
The police said that digital devices, documents, etc., were seized or collected for examination.
The Special Cell had registered an FIR in the case on August 17 under different sections of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code against NewsClick.
In August, a New York Times investigation had accused NewsClick of being an organization funded by a network linked with US millionaire Neville Roy Singham, to allegedly promote Chinese propaganda.
Following the searches, the Special Cell arrested NewsClick founder Purkayastha and its HR head Amit Chakraborty. They were sent to seven days of police custody.
A Delhi court on Tuesday sent them to 10 days of judicial custody.
[With Inputs from IANS]
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