Rs 20 lakh cash seized from journalist Mahesh Langa for GST fraud: Police from the crime branch searched 14 places in Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar after getting a report from the Central GST department.
Mahesh Langa, a top journalist, was arrested by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Tuesday in connection with a case of alleged GST fraud. Sources say that Rs 20 lakh in cash, some gold jewellery, and land papers were found in Langa’s home.
Police from the crime branch searched 14 places in Ahmedabad, Junagadh, Surat, Kheda, and Bhavnagar after getting a report from the Central GST department.
The crime branch said it had learned that more than 200 fake businesses were reportedly running fraud schemes using fake input tax credits. Reports say that the companies used fake names and papers to help people avoid paying taxes.
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Documents made up in the names of Mahesh Langa’s father and wife were found by the Central GST. They were used for shady business in those fake companies.
“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,” a statement from the crime branch said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ajit Rajian said that the top journalist, who works for the newspaper “The Hindu,” was arrested after being questioned in great detail.
In connection with the case, the crime branch has also filed a FIR against several people and businesses, such as Dhruvi Enterprise, Om Construction, Raj Infra, Haresh Construction Company, and DA Enterprise.