Breaking: Government Crackdown on Independent News Site Ignites Global Concerns Over Press Freedom in India

Police in New Delhi conducted raids on the residences of well-known journalists associated with a left-leaning news organization recognized for its rigorous analysis of the Indian government. This action has been condemned by media groups as another assault on press freedom. Following the raid on Tuesday, the Delhi police stated that they have interrogated 46 individuals and confiscated digital devices and documents for further investigation.

Reporters, editors, and contributors associated with NewsClick, an independent news website renowned for its strong criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, were questioned by the police. Among those arrested were the editor, Prabir Purkayastha, and his colleague, Amit Chakravarty. The investigation is related to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), an anti-terror law in India that has been heavily criticized for its oppressive nature, making it extremely challenging to secure bail.

During the questioning, a few individuals, who were present during the raids now referred to as X, shared updates on Twitter.

Before her devices were confiscated, author and activist Bhasha Singh made one final post, stating: "This will be my last tweet from this phone. Delhi police have seized my phone."

Journalist Abhisar Sharma reported that at 8.05 a.m. local time, the Delhi police arrived at his residence and were preparing to confiscate his electronic devices. Following a day-long interrogation by the Delhi Special Cell, Sharma returned home and assured that he would address every question posed to him, emphasizing that there was no need to fear. He vowed to continue questioning those in positions of power, especially those who shy away from straightforward inquiries. These raids have deeply unsettled and enraged India's independent media, who argue that Prime Minister Modi and his right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are further tightening their control over press freedom.

CNN has reached out to the BJP for comment.

Speaking at an event in Odisha on Tuesday, Minister of Information and Broadcast Anurag Thakur said he didnt need to justify the action from the police.

"If anyone has engaged in wrongful activities, agencies are authorized to conduct investigations in accordance with established guidelines," he stated.

With a population of 1.4 billion, India is not only the world's largest democracy but also one of the largest media markets globally.

Media personnel outside the Delhi Police's Special Cell in New Delhi, India, on Oct. 3.

Altaf Qadri/AP

But the Modi administration has been repeatedly accused of intimidating the press, stifling free speech, and censoring independent news organizations.

Digipub, the Indian digital news foundation, expressed profound worry over the raids, stating that it marks a significant escalation in the government's arbitrary and intimidating actions. In a statement, they emphasized that India's press freedom, civil liberties, and human rights rankings have been steadily declining, and the government's aggressive stance against the media is a stain on the reputation of the world's largest democracy.

The Editors Guild of India expressed concerns about the raids, stating that it is another attempt to silence the media. They called on the government to adhere to due process and avoid creating an atmosphere of intimidation through harsh laws.

The Press Club of India showed support for the journalists and urged the government to provide more information on the matter.

The crackdown on Tuesdays follows the raid on the BBC's offices in New Delhi and Mumbai by Indian tax authorities, which occurred eight months after the broadcasting of a documentary that criticized Modi's involvement in the 2002 riots. Other independent outlets have also faced office raids in the past, and the Indian government's "complete freezing" of Amnesty's bank accounts led to the suspension of its operations in 2020.

India dropped 11 places to 161 out of 180 nations in this years World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, and is now ranked between Laos and Djibouti.