Delhi Police Raid Malayali Journalist's Residence, Seize Laptop and Phone

In a recent development in Pathanamthitta, Kerala on October 6, the Delhi Police reportedly conducted a raid at the residence of Anusha Paul, a Malayali journalist and former employee of NewsClick. The police confiscated her laptop and mobile phone as part of their investigation. A three-member team from the Delhi Police carried out the operation during which they recorded Paul's statement.

Interrogation Focuses on Political Affiliations

Anusha Paul reported to media outlets that she was questioned about her professional association with NewsClick and her political affiliation with the Communist Party of India (Marxist), commonly known as CPIM. She stated that she was asked if she had covered stories related to farmer protests, anti-National Register of Citizens (NRC)-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) demonstrations or reports criticizing the Union government’s management of COVID-19.

Claims Of Political Witch-Hunt

Paul has expressed concerns over what she perceives as an attempt to intimidate both herself and other employees associated with NewsClick. She believes this action is being taken due to their critical stance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). "This is a witch-hunt to threaten the organisation and its employees who used to raise voice against Narendra Modi government and RSS," Paul said.

Affiliation With CPIM And DYFI

The journalist was residing in Kerala for taking care of a family member undergoing treatment when this incident occurred. During her interaction with media personnel post-raid, Paul disclosed that she was also asked by Delhi Police about her acquaintance with K M Tiwari, Delhi state secretary of CPIM. In response, she confirmed knowing him owing to her active involvement in politics as a worker for CPIM and as a state committee member of the Delhi unit of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), where she also holds the position of state treasurer.

In conclusion, this incident has sparked concerns about press freedom in India. The raid on Anusha Paul's residence and her subsequent questioning by Delhi Police have raised questions about whether journalists are being targeted for their professional activities or political affiliations. As these developments unfold, they continue to trigger debates around issues related to journalistic independence and the freedom of speech in contemporary Indian society.