In a series of early morning raids, Delhi Police has initiated interrogations related to "terror links" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These raids targeted the homes of several journalists, stand-up comics, satirists, and commentators, reminiscent of the Emergency in 1975. Electronic devices such as laptops and phones were reportedly seized during the raids.
The case in question is FIR number 224/2023, filed on August 17, 2023, invoking multiple sections of the UAPA, including 13, 16, 17, 18, and 22, along with 153(a) and 120 (b) of the Indian Penal Code, which relate to promoting enmity between different groups and criminal conspiracy, respectively.
Notable individuals targeted in the raids include video journalist Abhisar Sharma, senior journalist Bhasha Singh, veteran journalist Urmilesh, Newsclick editor Prabir Purkayastha, writer Githa Hariharan, journalist and commentator Aunindyo Chakravarty, activist and historian Sohail Hashmi, and satirist and stand-up comic Sanjay Rajaura. Activist Teesta Setalvad and veteran journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta also faced raids, with Setalvad being questioned by Delhi police officers.
The Wire confirmed that police visited the homes of Newsclick employees, seizing their devices and questioning them about their coverage of events like the farmers' protest and the COVID pandemic in India. Scientist and writer D. Raghunandan was reportedly taken away by the police.
Journalist Bhasha Singh tweeted her last message before her phone was seized, while comedian Sanjay Rajaura was taken to the Special Cell, Lodhi Road, for questioning without formal arrest.
The current FIR appears to trace back to an August report by the New York Times. The Wire had previously reported on BJP MP Nishikant Dubey citing this report in the Lok Sabha to allege that Congress leaders and NewsClick had received funds from China to create an "anti-India" atmosphere.
The Press Club of India has expressed concern over the raids and announced an upcoming detailed statement. India's position on the World Press Freedom Index has sharply declined, ranking among the lowest 20 countries globally and in the G20 countries regarding press freedom. Democratic backsliding in India has been recorded by various global indices, including Freedom House, V-Dem, and the Economist Index, since 2015.