The Ahmedabad Detection of Crime Branch arrested journalist Mahesh Langa from The Hindu and several others on October 8 in connection with a GST scam.
Satish Jha, a journalist from Deccan Herald, confirmed the arrest via Twitter, indicating Langa's involvement in a GST-related fraud case.
The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Special Operations Group (SOG) carried out raids at 14 locations, leading to the filing of complaints against 13 companies suspected of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) fraud.
According to a statement by the crime branch, more than 200 companies and entities are alleged to have participated in the scam, using fake input tax credits. These entities reportedly employed forged identities and documents to evade duties illegally.
The crime branch’s preliminary findings suggest a widespread conspiracy aimed at defrauding the government of substantial revenue, amounting to crores of rupees, through fraudulent billing, fake documentation, and misrepresentation.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as authorities continue their probe.