The Enforcement Directorate's Kolkata unit conducted searches at seven premises across Kolkata, Delhi, and Ranchi on Monday, 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 the ED Is Conducting These Searches
The ED registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) based on an FIR originally filed 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, alongside separate allegations of illegal financial transactions, unaccounted cash dealings, and funding from suspicious sources. As with any ongoing investigation, these remain allegations at this stage, not established findings.
Where the Searches Are Taking Place
The seven premises being searched are spread across Kolkata, Delhi, and Ranchi. ED officials are examining documents, financial records, and other material considered relevant to the investigation, with searches reportedly still underway at the time of reporting.
Who Is Mohd. Nadimul Haque?
Haque is a Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP, currently serving his third term in the Upper House, with his current term due to end in 2028. Alongside his political role, he serves as director of the Urdu newspaper Akhbar-E-Mashriq.
The Delhi Search
As part of the wider action, ED officials reached Haque's office at 61, South Avenue in Delhi, one of the seven locations covered during the coordinated searches across the three cities.
What the Investigation Is Actually Examining
The probe covers two distinct threads: allegations concerning the publication and circulation of material said to promote communal disharmony, and separate allegations of illegal financial transactions, including unaccounted cash dealings and funds received from suspicious sources. Both sets of allegations form part of the matter currently under ED investigation, though neither has yet been established through the investigation or any judicial proceeding.
What Happens Next
As of this report, the searches remained ongoing, with ED officials continuing to scrutinise documents, financial records, and other material connected to the case. This action forms part of the broader investigation stemming from the ECIR registered on the basis of the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate's original FIR, with further developments expected as the probe continues.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Mohd. Nadimul Haque?
A Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP serving his third term, and director of the Urdu newspaper Akhbar-E-Mashriq.
Q2. Where are the ED searches taking place?
Across seven premises in Kolkata, Delhi, and Ranchi, including Haque's Delhi office at 61, South Avenue.
Q3. What triggered this ED investigation?
An Enforcement Case Information Report registered based on an FIR filed by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, involving allegations tied to communal disharmony content and financial irregularities.
Q4. What specific allegations is the ED examining?
Publication of material allegedly promoting communal disharmony, along with allegations of illegal financial transactions, unaccounted cash dealings, and funds from suspicious sources.