On Tuesday, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch detained veteran journalist Mahesh Langa in connection with an alleged GST fraud case.
According to sources, Rs 20 lakh in cash, some gold jewellery, and land papers were confiscated from Langa’s home.
The arrest happened after the crime branch conducted 14 raids in Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar in response to a complaint from the Central GST department.
The criminal division stated that it had acquired evidence that over 200 bogus firms were allegedly involved in fraud via false input tax credits. The companies allegedly utilized false names and papers to help them avoid paying taxes.
The Central GST discovered fabricated paperwork in the names of Mahesh Langa’s wife and father, which were utilized in questionable transactions at those fictitious organizations.
“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,” according to a statement from the criminal bureau.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Rajian stated that the senior journalist, who works for ‘The Hindu’ daily, was detained following extensive interrogation.
In connection with the matter, the crime branch filed a FIR against various individuals and businesses, including Dhruvi Enterprise, Om Construction, Raj Infra, Haresh Construction Company, and DA Enterprise.
