NewsClick HR Head Offers Information In Exchange For Forgiveness

NewsClick is a news portal that’s been under investigation. Recently, there’s been an interesting turn in this case. Amit Chakravarty, who is in charge of the human resources department at NewsClick, has approached a Delhi court with a special request. He wants to become an approver in this case. 

But, what does that mean? Basically, Chakravarty is asking for forgiveness in exchange for sharing important information with the Delhi Police, who are looking into this case.

Now, what is this case about? The Delhi Police and other agencies are investigating NewsClick for allegedly receiving funds from foreign sources, particularly from China. 

The accusation is that these funds were used to spread messages against India and disrupt the country’s sovereignty. This is a serious matter as it involves the country’s security and integrity.

The founder of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, along with Chakravarty, was arrested in October. They were charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, a law often used in terrorism-related cases. 

The Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation are also involved in this investigation. They are looking into violations of laws that regulate foreign funds in India.

The background of this case is quite interesting. It started after a report by the New York Times suggested that NewsClick received around ₹38 crore from Neville Roy Singham, a US-based millionaire. 

Singham is believed to have connections with the Communist Party of China’s propaganda wing. The police also think that NewsClick and a group called People’s Alliance for Democracy and Secularism tried to negatively influence the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

In October, the police searched various locations, including the homes of journalists linked to NewsClick, and arrested both Chakravarty and Purkayastha. About 300 electronic devices were seized from NewsClick’s offices and the journalists’ homes.

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Chakravarty’s move to become an approver is significant. If the court accepts his request, he might provide crucial details that could change the direction of this investigation. The court has now scheduled a time to record his statement, which will be a key moment in this ongoing investigation.