The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has imposed a ₹184-crore penalty on NewsClick and its founder, Prabir Purkayastha, over alleged Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations. The February 2026 order slaps a ₹120 crore fine on the company and ₹64 crore on Purkayastha, news media reports said.
The ED alleges misrepresentation of foreign direct investment (₹9.59 crore) and misclassification of inward remittances (₹82.63 crore) as “export of services” to bypass regulations. This follows a broader investigation involving the CBI and Delhi Police.
Purkayastha was previously arrested under the UAPA in 2023 but was granted bail by the Supreme Court in May 2025. NewsClick has previously denied wrongdoing, stating funds were received through legal channels.
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