Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 4 (ANI): Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) state secretary Md Salim slammed the BJP-led central government over Delhi Police raids at the NewsClick office and staff residence and alleged that the agencies were being misused for a political gain.

"BJP government along with Delhi Police attacked the houses of journalists, cartoonists and activists and in the name of raids, took away their mobile phones and laptops. This shows how the Delhi Police, ED and CBI are being misused for political gain," Md Salim told ANI on Tuesday.

"On the other hand, even though the High Court has ordered to conduct a probe and take action against TMC leaders for corruption, the central govt is not letting the ED and CBI conduct the probe. BJP and TMC are doing drama," added Salim.

This comes a day after the Delhi Police arrested two persons including founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick Prabir Purkayastha after quizzing them in their office following raids at his premises under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other sections, the police officials said.

According to the Delhi Police, a total of 37 male suspects have been questioned at the premises, and nine female suspects have been questioned at their respective places of stay.

"Regarding the search, seizure and detentions carried out today in connection with a UAPA case registered with Special Cell, so far two accused, Prabir Purkayastha and Amit Chakravarty have been arrested. A total of 37 male suspects have been questioned at the premises, and nine female suspects have been questioned at their respective places of stay," the police said.

It further said that the digital devices, documents etc have been seized and collected for examination.

The Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha and writers Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Urmilesh were brought to the special cell offices in the national capital as part of the investigation as Delhi Police launched a crackdown against NewsClick and its journalists earlier this morning in connection with an FIR registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Delhi Police's Special Cell on Tuesday afternoon sealed the office of the online news portal in the national capital.

The raids were carried out at more than 30 locations in connection with a case registered on August 17 under UAPA and other sections of IPC, including 153A (promoting enmity between two groups), and 120 B (criminal conspiracy).

Earlier today, after being arrested, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of NewsClick, Prabir Purkayastha and Human Resources Head Amit Chakravarty were sent for seven days of police remand. (ANI)