FIR Given Only Yesterday, Allegations Untenable and Bogus: Newsclick

Pursuant to directions of the Hon’ble Special Judge, Patiala House, New Delhi, Prabir Purkayastha was supplied with a copy of the FIR registered by the Delhi Police Special Cell only yesterday (Thursday) night. We immediately moved the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi seeking quashing of the FIR as well as release of Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakraborty from their illegal police custody.

The allegations in the FIR, apart from being ex facie untenable and bogus, have been made time and again, in investigations by three government agencies – the Enforcement Directorate, the Economic Offences Wing, Delhi Police, and the income tax department. None of these investigations led to any chargesheets or complaints over the last three years. In fact, Prabir was granted interim protection in these investigations. The latest FIR has been registered only to circumvent this protection and carry out illegal arrests under the draconian UAPA.

As stated in previous Newsclick statements, Newsclick has not received any funding or instructions from China or Chinese entities. Further, Newsclick has never committed or sought to encourage violence, secession or any illegal act in any manner whatsoever. A perusal of Newsclick’s coverage, which is freely available online, should be sufficient to indicate the veracity of Newsclick’s claims. 

The completely absurd nature of allegations in the FIR clearly show that the proceedings initiated against Newsclick are nothing but a blatant attempt to muzzle the free and independent press in India.

The Delhi High Court today, was pleased to issue notice in the petitions filed by Prabir and Amit, and fix the matters for further hearing on Monday. 

Newsclick has full faith in the judicial system of India and is confident that its stand will be vindicated.