On 9th February 2021, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches on the premises of a Delhi-based news portal Newsclick and its promoters on charges of alleged money laundering.
Apart from the premises, houses of director and editor-in-chief were also checked. News agencies quoted sources, said the action is being taken to collect additional information to probe money laundering charges against NewsClick and its promoters. IANS reported that the action followed certain inputs that the news outlet allegedly received foreign funding.
“Truth shall prevail. We have full faith in the legal system,” a brief statement issued by NewsClick read. It added that a full statement will be released only after the process is over.
News click portal was launched in 2009, it is an independent media organization dedicated to covering news from India and elsewhere with a focus on progressive movements.
“Sad but not surprised that a platform like NewsClick is under attack. It created space for many senior journalists who found working in TV channels impossible. It’s founder Probir Purkayashta fought emergency as well so he knows the ways to fight (sic),” tweeted historian S Irfan Habib.
Also, the DIGIPUB News India Foundation has shown concern towards the portal and asked government to make clear why the news organisation was raided.
