ED raids workplace of stories portal Newsclick, its promoters over cash laundering expenses

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has performed raids on the workplace premises of a digital information platform NewsClick, in reference to cash laundering probe.
Searches had been reportedly carried out on the residence of portal’s proprietor and promoters over alleged receipt of Rs 30 crore from abroad in previous 3 years.
According to a PTI report, a complete of 8 premises had been raided that included these of the web site – Newsclick – and its promoters in South Delhi’s Saidulajab, Gurgaon and another areas.
Reports steered that the investigating company raided premises at about 10 AM on Tuesday over allegations that the portal was receiving overseas funding.

Senior officers of the company have remained tight-lipped on the matter.
However, sources mentioned that the raids had been performed to gather extra proof as it’s suspected of receiving overseas funding. The function of a “defunct company” shut for two years allegedly used to transact funds price over ₹30 crore can also be underneath the scanner, sources mentioned.
Journalist Abhisar Sharma, who hosts two YouTube programmes for NewsClick, mentioned the raids began since 10 am.

ED raid at https://t.co/WK95HKtJzE ‘s workplace & Directors/Shareholders dwelling since 10am this morning. @newsclickin . This is the place I do my exhibits Bol ke lab aazaad hain tere and Newschakra
— Abhisar Sharma (@abhisar_sharma) February 9, 2021

Media our bodies condemn raids
The Editors Guild of India expressed “deep concern” concerning the raids on the Newclick workplace and on the residences of its senior journalists.
Many journalists have additionally taken to Twitter to allege that the information portal is being pressured to ‘pay the price’ for being important of Central authorities.
DIGIPUB, an umbrella organisation of stories web sites, issued an announcement, saying the motion was an assault on free press. It mentioned it was an act to “suppress journalism critical of the government and its allies”.
NewsClick.in was based in 2009 by senior journalist Prabir Purkayastha, who can also be the Editor-in-Chief of the organisation. The web site’s political leaning is far apparent and is overly important of Modi authorities on most points.