News Report

Delhi Court Remands NewsClick Editors

Delhi court has ordered the founder of online media outlet NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, and its human resources head, Amit Chakravarty, to seven days of police custody

In a significant development, a Delhi court has ordered the founder of online media outlet NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha, and its human resources head, Amit Chakravarty, to seven days of police custody in connection with a case filed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Their arrests came following a series of raids carried out in response to allegations made in a New York Times article suggesting that NewsClick was receiving payments to promote Chinese propaganda.

The Delhi Police conducted raids on Tuesday morning targeting the NewsClick team, including independent journalists who contribute to the platform. These actions were prompted by an investigation conducted by The New York Times in August, which accused NewsClick of being financially backed by a network connected to US millionaire Neville Roy Singham. The investigation alleged that NewsClick was involved in promoting Chinese propaganda.

Apart from the UAPA case, NewsClick is also facing a pending money laundering case. The accusations in the money laundering case include overvaluation of shares, misappropriation of funds, and violation of foreign direct investment (FDI) regulations.

NewsClick and Purkayastha had previously approached the Delhi High Court seeking access to the Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against them in the money laundering case. During the proceedings, the High Court, in interim orders issued on June 21, 2021, and July 20, 2021, directed the ED not to take any coercive action against the website and its founder.

However, in August, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to NewsClick and Purkayastha in response to a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seeking the vacation of these protective orders against coercive action.

Additionally, NewsClick has filed a petition in the High Court seeking to quash a criminal complaint lodged by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), and this matter is presently pending before the court. The developments mark a critical moment for the digital media outlet as it grapples with legal challenges and accusations related to its funding sources and alleged involvement in promoting Chinese propaganda.

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FIR Against Shiv Sena MP for Hospital Incident

Zaina Afzal Kutty
The local Nanded Rural police took action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) against Patil on Wednesday morning.

In a deeply distressing incident at the Dr Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital in Nanded, Maharashtra, Shiv Sena MP Hemant Patil finds himself in the midst of legal proceedings. The local Nanded Rural police took action by registering a First Information Report (FIR) against Patil on Wednesday morning. The FIR stems from a troubling event where Patil allegedly coerced Dr. Shyamrao Wakode, the acting dean of the hospital, into cleaning a toilet, a shocking response to the reported 35 deaths at the medical facility.

The charges levied against Patil are grave, encompassing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including criminal intimidation and defamation. Moreover, he has been accused under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as well as the Maharashtra Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act.

The incident unfolded as Patil and his associates purportedly filmed the act, capturing the MP instructing the dean to clean the toilet. The video, circulating widely on social media platforms, has ignited public outcry and shock.

In the video, Patil can be heard castigating the hospital staff, questioning the availability of basic facilities, and allegedly stating, โ€œYou do not have simple mugs in the toilet, and you shout at people who do not use toilets. Do you doctors and the dean behave similarly at your home?โ€

Authorities are set to record Patilโ€™s statement in connection with the incident, signaling the initiation of legal proceedings. Patil faces charges under IPC sections 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 500 (punishment for defamation), and 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

This incident has sparked widespread concern about the treatment of hospital staff, triggering a broader dialogue about the need for respect and dignity within healthcare institutions. The ongoing investigation sheds light on the pressing necessity to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals and staff, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and accountability.

 

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