In a recent development at the Patiala House Court of Delhi, a decision was made granting the Delhi Police an additional 10 days to conclude their investigation into Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and Editor-in-Chief, and Amit Chakravarty, the HR Head of a prominent News Portal. This case is registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, amid allegations of the News Portal NewsClick engaging in pro-China propaganda in exchange for significant financial gain.
Presiding over the proceedings, Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur approved the request, extending the time for the Delhi Police to file charges against the accused individuals. Notably, this extension follows two prior requests for additional investigation time by the Delhi Police, highlighting the complexity of the case.
Representing the Delhi Police, Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Akhand Pratap Singh informed the court about the progress of the probe, emphasizing the substantial volume of data being meticulously examined. With nearly 400,000 emails and over 100 digital documents to scrutinize, including the involvement of an accused party residing abroad, the investigative process remains intricate.
Acknowledging the extensive evidence collected, the Delhi Police affirmed their commitment to thoroughly evaluate and consolidate the findings. Notably, the arrests of Purkayastha and Newsclick HR Head Amit Chakraborty last October marked a significant development in the case, with both individuals currently in judicial custody.
In a recent development, Amit Chakravarty has been permitted by the court to act as an approver, a crucial witness offering testimony against his co-accused in exchange for legal leniency. However, it’s imperative to note that the decision to grant approver status entails adherence to stringent legal procedures, including safeguards to prevent coerced or unreliable confessions.
Furthermore, Amit Chakravarty has filed a bail plea with the Delhi High Court, awaiting a decision on his application. The FIR filed by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell against Purkayastha alleges the deliberate dissemination of false narratives through the People’s Dispatch Portal, owned by PPK Newsclick Studio Pvt. Ltd. These narratives, purportedly fueled by substantial foreign funding, are accused of posing a threat to India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, prompting a thorough investigation into the matter.
