Dr Rakesh Gupta, chairman and managing director of Delhi-based Sadhna Group, was arrested on 10 October by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case involving alleged criminal proceeds estimated at ₹168 crore, according to livemint.com. Gupta was taken into ED custody for five days following his arrest at Ishwar Farms.
The ED's investigation stems from a Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing FIR registered on 29 September. Sadhna Group operates several media channels including Sadhna TV, Ishwar TV, Sadhna Plus News, and Har Khabar, with Sadhna TV alone having over 3.9 million YouTube subscribers. Gupta also runs a YouTube channel called “The Dr Rakesh Gupta Show Plus Minus,” which focuses on motivational stories, startups, and social issues. His business interests extend to a Bio-CNG plant in Mathura, solar installations, and outdoor advertising, with marketing rights at various metro stations.
The case highlights increasing scrutiny of media entrepreneurs and their business dealings in India. The ₹168 crore money laundering probe reflects broader efforts by authorities to investigate financial irregularities linked to media groups. Sadhna Group’s diversified portfolio, spanning media and renewable energy sectors, underscores the complexity of such investigations. The arrest of a prominent figure like Gupta marks a notable development in enforcement actions against alleged financial crimes in the media industry.
Gupta’s five-day ED custody period was ordered by a court early on 10 October, marking the start of a detailed inquiry into the alleged money laundering activities tied to the Sadhna Group. The investigation continues to unfold as authorities examine the financial transactions and business operations connected to the case.