The Enforcement Directorate’s Kolkata unit on Monday conducted searches at seven premises in Kolkata, Delhi and Ranchi in connection with a case involving M/s Akhbar-E-Mashriq Pvt. Ltd., an Urdu daily newspaper, and its director, Mohd. Nadimul Haque, a Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP. The searches are part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities and related allegations.
Why is the Enforcement Directorate conducting the searches?
The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report on the basis of an FIR registered by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.
According to the allegations in the case, the matter concerns the publication and dissemination of material allegedly promoting communal disharmony. The case also includes allegations of illegal transactions, unaccounted cash dealings and funding from suspicious sources.
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Where are the ED searches being carried out?
The searches are being conducted at seven premises spread across Kolkata, Delhi and Ranchi.
ED officials are examining documents, financial records and other material considered relevant to the investigation. The searches were underway at the time of the report.
Who is Mohd. Nadimul Haque?
Mohd. Nadimul Haque is a Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP and director of the Urdu newspaper Akhbar-E-Mashriq. He is serving his third term in the Upper House, with his current term due to end in 2028.
What happened at Haque’s Delhi office?
Enforcement Directorate officials reached Haque’s office at 61, South Avenue in Delhi as part of the searches being carried out in the case.
The Delhi premises was among the locations covered during the wider ED action across Kolkata, Delhi and Ranchi.
What allegations are being examined?
The investigation covers allegations concerning the publication and circulation of material allegedly promoting communal disharmony, along with alleged illegal financial transactions.
The case also involves allegations of unaccounted cash dealings and funds received from suspicious sources. These claims form part of the matter being investigated by the ED.
What happens next in the investigation?
The searches remained underway, with ED officials scrutinising documents, financial records and other material connected with the case.
The agency’s action forms part of its investigation following the ECIR registered on the basis of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate FIR.
