ED Searches 9 Premises Linked to Akhbar-e-Mashriq, Freezes Bank Accounts Worth ₹5.25 Crore
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at nine locations in Kolkata, Ranchi and New Delhi between September 7 and 9, 2026, in connection with an investigation involving Akhbar-e-Mashriq Pvt. Ltd., its associated entities and directors. The searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and resulted in the seizure of documents and digital devices, along with the freezing of bank accounts holding approximately ₹5.25 crore.
The premises covered during the operation included offices linked to Akhbar-e-Mashriq Pvt. Ltd., Crayons Advertising and Mashriq Media Pvt. Ltd., as well as the residential premises of Trinamool Congress MP Md. Nadimul Haque and others.
The ED launched its investigation following an FIR registered by the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate against Akhbar-e-Mashriq Pvt. Ltd., the publisher of the Urdu daily newspaper Akhbar-e-Mashriq, and other individuals. The FIR reportedly included allegations of publishing and circulating material promoting communal disharmony through the newspaper and various digital and social media platforms. It also raised concerns over suspected irregularities in the company’s financial transactions.
During the investigation, the ED found that the company maintained multiple bank accounts with Karnataka Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), ICICI Bank and Jammu & Kashmir Bank. According to the agency, these accounts recorded cumulative cash deposits exceeding ₹60 crore.
Investigators also identified three accounts maintained with Karnataka Bank that had received cash deposits of approximately ₹5.60 crore before being closed by the company. The scrutiny further revealed Bitcoin purchase transactions allegedly linked to tainted funds, with no clear business rationale identified for the transactions.
The ED has also alleged that Akhbar-e-Mashriq Pvt. Ltd. overstated the number of newspaper copies it claimed to have printed. According to the investigation, the reported circulation figures were allegedly much higher than the actual number of copies printed, potentially allowing the company to misrepresent its readership and obtain higher advertising revenues.
During the searches, officials seized various documents and electronic devices, including mobile phones, laptops and hard drives. These materials are expected to be examined to establish the details of the suspected financial transactions and identify any further evidence relevant to the investigation.
The agency also froze bank accounts belonging to Akhbar-e-Mashriq Pvt. Ltd. with balances totalling approximately ₹5.25 crore.
The investigation is ongoing, with the ED examining the company’s financial records, alleged circulation discrepancies and transactions suspected of involving proceeds of crime. The allegations remain subject to the outcome of the legal proceedings.
News Source : Directorate of Enforcement (ED) – Official Press Release, Government of India
