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The Delhi Police Special Cell has made startling allegations against NewsClick and its founder, Prabir Purkayastha, accusing them of being part of a 'transnational criminal conspiracy' and engaging in 'information warfare'. The charges were revealed in an exclusive access to the police's chargesheet obtained by India Today.
According to the chargesheet, the police assert that NewsClick, under the direction of Purkayastha, has been involved in disseminating misleading information and false narratives to interfere in the democratic process, particularly during the 2019 elections. The document alleges that this misinformation aimed to undermine state policies and support anti-national elements.
Moreover, the chargesheet accuses Purkayastha's long-time associate, American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, of peddling Maoist ideology, possibly on behalf of China or its proxies. It alleges that Singham and Purkayastha, disguised as a scientific project, attempted to manipulate maps to favor Pakistan and China, thereby sowing discord and weakening India's territorial integrity.
The police claim that funds routed through companies associated with Singham originated from a neighboring country known for its engagement in information warfare as a state policy tool. Additionally, the chargesheet alleges massive overvaluation of NewsClick's share prices to obtain substantial amounts as "subscription money" and the conversion of its legal entity without credible business objectives.
The document further details a novel method of receiving foreign funds, labeled as 'paid for paid news', where NewsClick allegedly created and uploaded content for monetary compensation. The police also point to the creation of 'The China Team' during the Covid-19 pandemic, purportedly aimed at promoting pro-Chinese propaganda despite international criticism.
Witness statements cited in the chargesheet affirm NewsClick's alleged involvement in spreading pro-China narratives during the pandemic. The police contend that Purkayastha was encouraged to act as a paid agent of the Chinese state to propagate its agenda.
The accusations levelled by the Delhi Police Special Cell paint a damning picture of NewsClick's activities, suggesting a deliberate effort to manipulate public opinion and subvert the democratic process. The chargesheet indicates a sophisticated operation involving financial manipulation, propaganda dissemination, and collusion with foreign actors.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the revelations in the chargesheet are likely to fuel intense scrutiny of NewsClick's operations and raise questions about its journalistic integrity. The case underscores the growing concerns surrounding misinformation and foreign influence in India's media landscape, highlighting the need for stringent regulations and accountability measures.
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