Journalists’ homes in India and the offices of a news website have been raided by police.

The Guardian reported early morning raids on the offices of Newsclick and the arrest of its founder Prabir Purkayastha – under India’s Unlawful Activities Prevention Act anti-terrorism law – together with the homes of almost 50 “journalists, activists and comedians”.

Newsclick was recently the subject of a New York Times investigation and claims that it was receiving funding from China, which the news site has denied.

A report of the Newsclick site says the publisher “has not been provided FIR copy, or informed about the exact particulars of the alleged offences”. Electronic devices were seized from Newsclick premises and homes of employees “without any adherence to due process”.

In her report, The Guardian’s South Asia correspondent, Hannah Ellis-Petersen pointed to India’s border dispute with China, adding that “allegations of being funded by China are also routinely slung at government critics”.

Journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, activist Teesta Setalvad and comedian Sanjay Rajoura are also said to be among those raided and taken in for questioning.

“Newsclick, which is seen as one of the few remaining independent news organisations in India, was under investigation in 2021 and subjected to several raids by government agencies,” Ellis-Petersen said.

She also pointed to India’s World Press Freedom index ranking, down to 150 of 180 countries and its lowest on record.