ED Seizes New Delhi flat linked to NewsClick editor Prabir Purkayastha https://www.thestatesman.com/india/ed-seizes-new-delhi-flat-linked-to-newsclick-editor-prabir-purkayastha-1503209846.html August 9, 2023 Back in September 2021, the federal agency conducted a raid at Purkayastha’s premises. The ED’s search operation extended to the offices of Newsclick Studio and its affiliated entities, along with their Directors and shareholders (totaling ten entities) located in Delhi NCR. This action was taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). ...The recent move comes as part of the ED’s ongoing money laundering investigation into the news portal. The agency is preparing to file a charge sheet in relation to this matter. ..During the course of the investigation, it emerged that Prabir Purkayastha, who holds the position of Director at Newsclick, had known Neville Roy Singham from Worldwide Media Holdings LLC since 2017. When questioned, Prabir allegedly claimed to have no knowledge of Navielle’s company.
The ED’s inquiry also revealed a lack of clarity surrounding the receipt of Rs. 28.46 crore from foreign sources by NewsClick editor Prabir Purkayastha and Newsclick Studio employees. In response, Newsclick has refuted the allegations.
The ED previously attached Purkayastha’s fixed deposits amounting to ₹41 lakh. The agency has also pointed out that the company paid a salary of ₹17.08 lakh to incarcerated activist Gautam Navlakha, along with additional remittances made to certain journalists.