On a brisk October morning, the Indian cyber community was set ablaze. The 3rd of October 2023 was no ordinary day for the online news portal, NewsClick, as officials descended upon them like a hawk targeting its prey. They weren’t there for a friendly chat; they were searching for a trail of illicit foreign funds. Sources say these funds were generously sprinkled by both American and Chinese organizations. The roster of the 'visited' included the renowned names of Sanjay Rajoura, Bhasha Singh, Urmilesh, Prabir Purkayastha, Abhisar Sharma, Aunindyo Chakraborty, and Sohail Hashmi. What's the common thread, you ask? All of them are snugly tied to the NewsClick brand.

The aftermath? Oh, it was nothing short of a theatrical masterpiece. As the information made its rounds, there was an immediate outpouring - the liberal journalist guild donned their armor of 280 characters and took to Twitter. Their fingers, seemingly on fire, painted a grim picture. "The fourth pillar of democracy is trembling!" they cried, asserting that the very essence of press freedom in India was being crushed under the weight of these investigations.

Interestingly, while all of this drama unfolded, the Left brigade saw it as an opportunity. In what can only be described as a well-rehearsed ballet, they danced around the topic, attempting to shield the public from the crux of the matter. They passionately argued that probing individuals potentially involved in siphoning funds from not-so-friendly nations for anti-national propaganda was nothing more than an assault on journalism.

But, dear readers, one must ponder: Is it about curbing the freedom of press or is it about safeguarding the sovereignty of our beloved nation? Only time will tell. For now, keep your popcorn handy, for the show is only getting started.

The Chorus of the Cacophonous: The High Decibel Melodrama Continues

In the aftermath of the NewsClick episode, the nation witnessed a series of spectacular responses, reminiscent of the high-octane climaxes of Bollywood thrillers.

Enter Rohini Singh, who has, over the years, deftly balanced her role as both a propagandist and a self-styled journalist. With a flair for the dramatic, Singh remarked that the recent events painted journalism as the most heinous offense in India, "Journalists raided by the police, laptops and phones taken away because journalism is the biggest crime in new India." Those with sharp memories might recall Singh’s previous tryst with the spotlight during the Radia Tapes saga. Her proclivity for dabbling in both political propaganda and the art of spinning tales that border on fiction is hardly a secret.

Meanwhile, Arfa Khanum Sherwani of The Wire, who often introduces herself with the "Muslim journalist" badge pinned proudly to her chest, didn't miss a beat. Well-known for her knack to shield certain ideologies and further narratives that toe a particular line, Sherwani saw this as another golden opportunity to grab the mike. Her tweet, carrying the undertones of a sarcastic quip, read, “Mother of democracy, anyone?” Clearly, a rhetorical masterstroke aimed at the authorities and their recent actions.

But wait, the saga didn't end there! The ever-vocal Rajdeep Sardesai, fondly referred to by his critics as the 'self-proclaimed vulture', stepped onto the scene. Known for his intriguing ability to weave political context into any narrative (like the heart-wrenching incident involving Prashant Poojari), Sardesai couldn’t resist the urge to comment. True to his nature, he managed to script a mini-epic in the form of a tweet. The catch? It took him not one, but two attempts to get his narrative just right.

As the echoes of these voices resonate in the vast digital corridors, one is compelled to wonder: Is this spontaneous combustion of opinions a genuine cry for press freedom, or is it merely the smoke from a fire of vested interests? As we tread further into this quagmire, remember, the devil is in the details.

The Grand Spectacle: Tweets, Tears, and Tantalizing Narratives

The media saga continued to unfold with more passion than the most dramatic soap operas. As the sun climbed higher, tweets poured in like rain from the monsoon clouds.

Our familiar face, Rajdeep Sardesai, had more to say. In a tweet, with his signature mix of indignation and flair for the dramatic, he exclaimed, “Breaking story this morning: Delhi police special cell raids homes of several journalists/writers associated with Newsclick website. Take away mobiles and laptops.. interrogation on. No warrant/FIR shown yet. Since when did journalists become state ‘enemies’ in a democracy?” Sardesai’s missive was an obvious dig at the authorities, questioning their tactics while subtly evoking the sanctity of press freedom.

Enter Pratik Sinha, the dynamo behind AltNews. While some label it a balanced fact-checking platform, others, more critically, see it as an 'Islamic propaganda outlet'. Sinha, never one to remain silent in moments of contention, declared with great fervor that the government was “crossing all limits”. The undercurrents of Sinha's statements hint at the broader debates of liberty and freedom, but they also echo the sentiments of his partner, who is notorious for making divisive comments against Hindu women and attempting to brush Jihadi wrongdoings under the rug.

However, amidst the cacophony of criticism, a key point emerges, demanding attention. The individuals facing the current raids have long been accused of peddling narratives that seem to veer into anti-India terrain. Yet, none of them ever faced legal repercussions for their stated views or opinions. It begs the question: Is the present raid a sudden whimsical decision against journalists? Or is there more than meets the eye, a story lurking in the shadows that's waiting to be unveiled? Only time will tell. But till then, the theatrics continue.

NewsClick's association with the current raids is no accident. Their alleged ties with a certain nation - China - and whispers of facilitating its state propaganda have raised eyebrows and jolted even the most apathetic.

The mighty New York Times, with its history of investigative prowess, unearthed some startling revelations in August 2023. An intricate maze of activist groups, non-profit organizations, and cleverly structured shell companies were found, all dancing to a tune played from Beijing. And guess who was the maestro behind this grand orchestra? None other than the enigmatic Neville Roy Singham.

The New York Times wrote in its groundbreaking piece, “What is less known, and is hidden amid a tangle of nonprofit groups and shell companies, is that Mr. Singham works closely with the Chinese government media machine and is financing its propaganda worldwide.” This revelation seemed straight out of a spy novel, bringing to light Singham's role in amplifying Chinese state narratives under the banner of progressive discourse.

And how widespread was this influence, you ask? Not just limited to the Indian subcontinent, but as far as Brazil, South Africa, and even the shores of the United States. In a particularly telling section, the report highlighted: “In New Delhi, corporate filings show, Singham’s network financed a news site, NewsClick, that sprinkled its coverage with Chinese government talking points.”

Suddenly, the raids don't seem as arbitrary. There's a vast tapestry of global powerplay, financial transactions, and vested interests that's coming to light. The world, especially India, watches with bated breath. How deep does this rabbit hole go?

In the age of information, influence has become the most potent currency. And China, always the grandmaster at the global chessboard, has been orchestrating a silent symphony. Using a vast network of activists and NGOs, it has not only amplified the voice of the Chinese people but also ensured the world dances to Beijing's tunes.

This wasn't just a subtle nudge towards a narrative or a quiet whisper into influential ears. No, this was a deliberate effort to subtly weave China's perspective into international dialogues. By doing so, China's actions, however controversial, would be painted in a different light. Through this meticulously crafted network, the dragon effectively deflected global criticism, particularly about its track record on human rights.

Now, connecting these geopolitical dots to India, NewsClick wasn't a newfound revelation. Long before the famed New York Times exposé, the online portal had been under the watchful gaze of India's Enforcement Directorate. And what the ED unearthed was nothing short of sensational.

Within a mere span of three years, an astounding Rs. 38.05 crores from foreign sources had seeped into NewsClick's coffers. And where did this money flow? Allegedly, into the pockets of some eyebrow-raising figures, notably including Gautam Navlakha and those in Teesta Setalvad's circle.

In a significant operation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) scoured the facilities of PPK Newsclick Studio, its connected bodies, and even its shareholders and directors, spanning ten entities throughout Delhi's NCR. The ED's sweep wasn't fruitless. They unearthed foreign currency, incriminating documents, and digital breadcrumbs, hinting at a broader narrative.

The Enforcement Directorate, equipped with digital breadcrumbs and incriminating documents, began connecting the dots, and what they found was astonishing.

Rs. 9.59 crore. That was the amount funneled through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with an additional Rs. 28.46 crore draped under the guise of export of services. But the numbers weren't the only intriguing factor; it was the intricate connections and clandestine conversations between Prabir and Neville that raised eyebrows.

Despite Prabir's initial claims of being oblivious to Neville’s company, subsequent revelations from the New York Times investigation portrayed a different tale, suggesting a deeper affiliation between the two. The story insinuated that not only did Prabir deliberately mislead the investigation agencies in 2021, but the evidence gathered also pulled the rug from under his initial narrative.

The meticulous work of the enforcement agencies started to paint a clearer picture. Prabir Purkayastha, in what seems like a well-choreographed dance with Neville Roy Singham, linked to the Communist Party of China (CPC), was allegedly part of an intricate plan. The duo seemingly crafted an elaborate facade, veiling a colossal fund inflow from a Chinese entity through the convenient curtain of FDI.

The name, Neville Roy Singham, until recently, wouldn’t have rung a bell to many. But as layers of covert operations begin to unfold, it's becoming increasingly apparent that there's more to the tale than meets the eye.

Underneath the emblem of 'consultancy fees' lay a more insidious intent. Allegations suggest that funds were transferred to Prabir Purkayastha, not merely for advisory services, but to further a "leftist ideology" in the country. The tag of consultancy feels more like a clever ruse, a mask to disguise a larger game in play.

The towering sum of Rs. 28.46 crore from foreign sources, ostensibly received by Newsclick Studio, remains shrouded in mystery. With neither Prabir nor the personnel at Newsclick providing clarity on the origin or purpose of these funds, speculation continues to grow.

From the fragments pieced together, an alarming image emerges. It's not just about accepting illegal funds; it's about the nature and intent behind those funds. A narrative gets constructed, one that isn’t organically homegrown, but meticulously crafted from afar. NewsClick, as it appears, was not just a news portal, but an instrument, echoing anti-India sentiments, under the guise of news and commentary.

The very essence of democracy stands on the principle of autonomy and self-governance. Foreign interference, especially with the intention to manipulate perceptions, strikes at the heart of democratic values. The cries of figures like Rajdeep Sardesai and Pratik Sinha, ironically, drown the essential point: Is it acceptable for external entities to interfere in India's democratic processes?

A Badge of Integrity, Not Invincibility: Journalism's True Role

In the grand theater of democracy, journalists play a role of paramount importance. They inform, educate, and engage with the public, shaping perceptions and guiding discussions. But with that role comes a tremendous responsibility – one that cannot be sidelined for personal gains or a covert agenda.

Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai's assertion that ‘journalists cannot be considered the enemy of the state’ does indeed sound lofty and magnanimous. However, when viewed in the light of recent revelations, it begs a deeper inspection. A profession does not render its practitioners impervious to scrutiny or accountability. Quite the opposite, in fact. As champions of truth and advocates of transparency, journalists should be held to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

Undermining democracy for money isn't a matter of mere professional misconduct – it strikes at the very core of national integrity. Accepting funds from a hostile entity with the intent to sway public opinion is not only morally reprehensible, it's a breach of the sacred trust between the journalist and the public.

In essence, it is not the title of 'journalist' that offers one immunity from the consequences of their actions. The law of the land is clear, and it applies uniformly to all citizens. The mechanic, the baker, the teacher, and yes, even the journalist, must all stand accountable for their deeds. To suggest otherwise would be to place certain professions on a pedestal, above the reach of justice. And that, in itself, is an affront to democracy.

As custodians of the fourth pillar of democracy, journalists are entrusted with great power. But with that power comes a duty to uphold the truth, not to sell it to the highest bidder. It's time for introspection: for journalists to reaffirm their commitment to their craft and for the public to demand transparency and integrity in reporting. The bond between a journalist and their audience is sacred, and it's high time it's treated as such.

In an era where credibility is the currency of journalism, it is alarming to witness the very custodians of truth falter. The so-called "liberals," who are now crying foul, aren't lamenting the state of India’s democracy. Their grievances are more self-serving. The current investigations unmasking a section of journalists have exposed a disturbing reality: many who posed as unbiased reporters were, in fact, serving a paid agenda.

These revelations taint the noble profession of journalism. Under the revered cloak of "neutrality" and "freedom of the press," these individuals peddled narratives that served their financiers rather than the truth. Their outcries now seem less about defending democracy and more about deflecting from their own questionable ethics.

The unfortunate truth now stands clear: some of these “guardians of truth” were merely pens for hire, selling their narratives to the highest bidder. And as their treachery comes to light, their protestations ring hollow. The public deserves, and indeed demands, journalists who serve the truth, not those who trade it for silver.