Title: Delhi Police Unveils Evidence of Chinese Propaganda Funding in Web Portal NewsClick
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In a shocking revelation, the Delhi Police’s special cell has unearthed evidence suggesting that popular web portal NewsClick received a staggering amount of ₹28.29 crore between 2018 and 2021 from entities linked to American millionaire Neville Roy Singham. Singham has been accused of spreading Chinese propaganda through various media platforms.
According to the police investigation, the funding to NewsClick was provided by four different entities, namely the Justice and Education Fund, GSPAN LLC, Tricontinental Limited Inc, and Centro Popular De Midas. These entities have come under scrutiny for their alleged ties to Chinese propaganda machinery.
Further investigations by the police have revealed that the mother company of NewsClick, PPK Studio NewsClick Private Limited, transferred ₹20.53 lakhs to Gautam Navlakha. Navlakha is a prominent figure in the Bhima Koregaon case and stands accused, among other charges, of being involved in a conspiracy to instigate violence.
As a result of intensive raids conducted across five cities, the Delhi Police has made two significant arrests. NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources head Amit Chakravarty are the key individuals taken into custody. These arrests confirm the authorities’ commitment in uncovering illegal activities associated with the media organization.
The New York Times had previously published an investigation linking NewsClick to a global network receiving money for promoting Chinese propaganda. This finding further strengthens suspicions surrounding the controversial portal’s connections and dubious practices.
Adding to the mounting evidence is the Enforcement Directorate’s discovery of a significant money trail totaling ₹38 crore in foreign remittances. Additionally, the agency has found conclusive evidence that this money was paid to several journalists employed by NewsClick. These shocking revelations indicate a potentially far-reaching influence by nefarious external actors on the Indian media landscape.
In a separate yet significant development, a raid was conducted at the residence of CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury. The raid was prompted by the fact that the son of one of Yechury’s associates, who resides with him, works for NewsClick. This action highlights the sprawling reach of the alleged Chinese propaganda network.
In response to the allegations, NewsClick categorically denies all charges, asserting that the funding received has only flowed through appropriate banking channels and has been duly reported to the relevant authorities. The portal maintains its innocence amidst mounting evidence and ongoing investigations.
This shocking revelation has prompted an immediate response, with a case registered against NewsClick under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on August 17. As investigations continue into the web portal’s alleged ties to Chinese propaganda, the Indian media landscape finds itself embroiled in a major controversy.
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