CBI Files New FIR Against NewsClick, Searches Office & Prabir Purkayastha's Home

The CBI is currently undertaking searches in connection with the case.

NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha being brought to the Patiala House Court by Delhi Police's Special Cell on Tuesday, 10 October, in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA.

(Photo: PTI)

Do your bit to support our journalism. Become a member – and help us stay on top of the most important stories.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday, 11 October, has registered a fresh case against media portal NewsClick, in relation to the alleged Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) violations by the company.

Details: This comes whilst the investigating agency is conducting searches at NewsClick's office and it's Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha.

• "It was alleged that the said private company had received unexplained export remittance of Rs. 28.46 Crore (approximately) through four foreign entities in violation of FCRA provisions," CBI said in a statement.

• "It was further alleged that there was an unexplained receipt of foreign fund of Rs 9.59 Crore (approximately) by incorrect characterization of the fund as FDI. The Director of said private company with his close associates had allegedly violated the provisions of FCRA, 2010," it added.

• "It was also alleged that the provisions of FCRA, 2010, prohibiting acceptance of foreign contribution by company engaged in production and broadcast of audio-visual news or current affairs programme through any electronic mode and by any correspondent or columnist or writer or owner of such company, were violated," CBI said.

Background: Searches at the homes of dozens of journalists connected with NewsClick were conducted by the Delhi Police on 4 October in Delhi-NCR.

The portal's editor-in-chief Prabir Purkayastha and Human Resources head Amit Chakravarty were arrested after the raids under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The duo was sent to 10-day judicial custody by a Delhi Court on Tuesday, 10 October.

The charge levelled against NewsClick is that it allegedly received funding to spread pro-China propaganda in the country.