NewsClick is a news website based in Delhi, India, founded in 2009. The website has been accused of peddling pro-China reporting, and in August 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took action against NewsClick, alleging its involvement in promoting pro-China information and money laundering. This marked the first instance of such action against a media firm. The EDs recent action against NewsClick uncovered the alleged involvement of the site in peddling pro-China information in a news format. In the probe, the agency found a series of email exchanges between NewsClick Director Prabir Purkayastha with various journalists along with millionaire Neville Roy Singham, and CPI(M) leaders like Prakash Karat. It has been alleged that the email exchanges were in connection with promoting Chinese propaganda on how it fought against the pandemic, Indian Communists affinity towards China, and conversation regarding India and China map.
On October 3, 2023, Delhi Police sealed the office of NewsClick after raiding 30 locations linked to the portal and its journalists. The police also arrested NewsClick owner Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakraborty. The Press Club of India expressed concern about the multiple raids conducted on the houses of journalists and writers associated with NewsClick. The PCI stands in solidarity with the journalists and demands the government to come out with details.
