Wed Oct 30 06:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Journalist Accused of Fraud, GST Scam, and Leaking Government Documents
Ahmedabad, India – Mahesh Langa, a journalist associated with the publication *The Hindu*, has been arrested as part of a major GST scam investigation. The arrest comes after a third FIR was filed against him, accusing him of defrauding Pranav Shah, the director of Khushi Enterprises, of ₹28 lakh.
This latest accusation adds to the existing two FIRs against Langa. The first pertains to his alleged involvement in the GST scam, while the second, filed by Gandhinagar police, accuses him of exploiting his journalistic position to leak sensitive government documents related to the Gujarat Maritime Board.
According to Shah, he transferred ₹23 lakh to Langa for advertisement work and paid another ₹5 lakh for a party hosted by Langa. During a raid on Langa’s residence, authorities seized ₹20 lakh in cash, for which he couldn’t provide a satisfactory explanation.
The Ahmedabad Crime Branch, conducting raids across Gujarat, has arrested 17 individuals in connection with the GST scam. Police investigations reveal links between the case and 12 other companies, including Dhruvi Enterprises, which Langa admitted in court to owning.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik stated that Langa maintained a persona of an investigative journalist to gain access to government offices and personnel. He allegedly introduced himself as a financial broker, land dealer, and lobbyist to his targets.
While *The Hindu* has defended Langa’s acquisition of sensitive defence documents as part of his journalistic work, authorities have stressed the seriousness of the alleged leak, citing national security concerns.
The ongoing investigation highlights the complexities of the case against Langa, who faces multiple accusations of financial misconduct and misuse of his journalistic position. The case has sparked debate surrounding the accountability of journalists and the potential for exploitation of their positions for personal gain.
First Piper 