India

ED Uncovers ₹60 Crore in Suspected Irregularities at Newspaper Tied to TMC MP

By PTI

Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detected alleged financial irregularities worth approximately ₹60 crore in connection with an Urdu newspaper linked to TMC Rajya Sabha MP Nadimul Haque, following searches that lasted more than 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday.

The extended search operation at properties associated with Haque and his media organization began on the morning of September 7 and concluded early Tuesday. An ED official, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, said financial records and digital documents were being scrutinized to trace the transactions and determine the origin and nature of the funds under scrutiny.

The agency is investigating suspected illegal financial dealings involving the newspaper and is examining whether some funds may have been channeled through hawala networks, according to sources.

During the raids, ED officials reviewed bank transaction records, financial paperwork, and digital evidence, and also questioned Haque at his home and office in Kolkata. Investigators are additionally probing possible fund movements connected to the TMC.

ED sources said the probe uncovered discrepancies in transactions totaling around ₹60 crore, for which adequate supporting documentation could not be immediately produced. Authorities are now trying to determine whether these transactions represented legitimate business activity or whether money was moved through unofficial means, including hawala.

Simultaneous searches were carried out at seven additional locations across Delhi and Ranchi, including the newspaper's office in Kolkata's Park Circus area and other premises connected to Haque. The MP was in Ranchi when the operation started and was later brought to Kolkata on Monday night, where he was subsequently questioned during the search of his residence and office.

The investigation originated from a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, which led to the ED registering an Enforcement Case Information Report. The case involves allegations of unaccounted and illegal financial transactions, as well as the receipt of funds from questionable sources.

No arrests have been made so far in connection with the case, officials confirmed.