Gujarat: Journalist Mahesh Langa Arrested in GST Fraud Case, Rs 20 Lakh Cash Seized
In Gujarat, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested senior journalist Mahesh Langa on Tuesday in connection with an alleged GST-related fraud case. Sources indicate that Rs 20 lakh in cash, along with some gold jewelry and land papers, were recovered from Langa’s residence.
The arrest followed a complaint by the Central GST department, prompting the crime branch to raid 14 locations across Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar.
According to the crime branch, they received information about over 200 fake companies allegedly involved in fraud through bogus input tax credits. These firms reportedly utilized forged identities and documents to facilitate duty evasion.
The Central GST discovered forged documents in the names of Mahesh Langa’s wife and father, which were used for suspicious transactions in these fake companies.
“The initial findings suggest a large-scale conspiracy aimed at defrauding the government of significant revenue, potentially amounting to crores of rupees, through fake billing, fraudulent documentation, and misrepresentation,” the crime branch stated.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Rajian noted that the senior journalist, who works for ‘The Hindu’ newspaper, was arrested following detailed questioning.
The crime branch has also registered an FIR against several persons and entities, including Dhruvi Enterprise, Om Construction, Raj Infra, Haresh Construction Company, and DA Enterprise in connection with this case.
