Indian authorities raid Newsclick office, homes of editors and managers

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published February 11, 2021

NEW DELHI — Indian authorities must immediately stop occupying the offices of the news website Newsclick and cease harassing its editors and managers, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday.

Since yesterday morning, officers with the Indian Finance Ministry’s Enforcement Directorate have raided Newsclick’s New Delhi office, as well as the homes of its editor-in-chief, Prabir Purkayastha, one other editor, and two members of its management, according to a senior editor with the outlet, who spoke to CPJ on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, and various news reports.

As of today, officers continue to occupy Newsclick’s office and Purkayastha’s home, the editor said, adding that reporters and other editorial staff are continuing to work from the field and their homes.

The editor said that the exact reason for the raids was unclear, and the Enforcement Directorate has not stated why they were conducted. The Hindu reported, citing an unnamed Enforcement Directorate official that the raids were conducted in relation to a money laundering investigation, and that authorities had discovered evidence that the outlet received funds from abroad.

In a statement published this afternoon, the Newsclick editorial team denied any wrongdoing.

“The raid on Newsclick and the occupation of its office and the home of Prabir Purkayastha are clearly designed to intimidate, and will have a chilling effect on critical news outlets,” said Aliya Iftikhar, CPJ’s senior Asia researcher. “India’s Enforcement Directorate must immediately cease occupying the Newsclick offices and the home of its editor, refrain from seizing any data or devices, and allow the outlet to continue its work without interference.”

According to the senior editor, Newsclick employees have had no contact with Purkayastha or other senior staffers since the raids began. “They were only allowed one or two urgent calls on speakerphone to get medicines and to assure family and friends,” the editor said.

Yesterday afternoon, Pranjal, an editor at the outlet, who uses one name, was allowed to briefly step out of the office and speak to journalists assembled there, according to the news website Newslaundry. Flanked by two Enforcement Directorate officials who did not allow the media to record the briefing, Pranjal said, “our documents are being checked” and did not elaborate further, according to that report.

In its statement issued this afternoon, Newsclick accused the Indian government of using “government-controlled agencies to deal with all those who disagree with and criticize the government.” The statement said that the outlet is cooperating with the authorities.

Newsclick has extensively covered anti-government protests throughout India, and hosts video programs anchored by journalists including Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Abhisar Sharma, who have been critical of the government’s policies.

CPJ emailed the Enforcement Directorate for comment, but did not receive any response.

In October 2018, officers with India’s Income Tax Department raided the offices of the news website The Quint, as CPJ documented at the time.--A CPJ News Alert/Photo: AFP

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 April 10, 2025:  The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 April 08, 2025:  Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 April 07, 2025:  The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

 April 07, 2025:  Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.

Ghulam Abbas Shah joins Discover Pakistan as Head of Programming

 April 03, 2025:  Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.

PFUJ condemns Pakistani journalists' visit to Israel as an ethical violation

 April 02, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.

Can films fight terrorism? Dawn raises doubts

 March 30, 2025:  Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?