ED arrests Gujarat-based journalist Mahesh Langa in money laundering case

New Delhi: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office has arrested Mahesh Prabhudan Langa, a Gujarat-based senior journalist, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in the case of Mahesh Prabhudan Langa and others, an official said on Tuesday.

"Mahesh Prabhudan Langa was produced before the Hon’ble Special Judge (PMLA), Mirzapura Court, Ahmedabad and the Hon’ble Special Judge (PMLA) has granted 4 days ED custody till 28/02/2025," a statement read.

The ED initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by DCB, Police Station, Ahmedabad City, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, against Maheshbhai Prabhudan Langa & others for cheating and criminal breach of trust.

During the course of investigation, it was found that another FIR has been filed by Satellite Police Station, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, against Maheshbhai Prabhudan Langa, for committing fraud, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, cheating and causing wrongful loss of lakhs of rupees to the concerned persons.

The ED investigation revealed that Mahesh Prabhudan Langa was found to have engaged in multiple fraudulent financial transactions involving large sums of money.

Mahesh Prabhudan Langa’s financial dealings involved extortion from various individuals, constant manipulation, and use of media influence.

Further, Mahesh Prabhudan Langa is also involved in ‘GST Input Tax Credit scam’, which is also under investigation by the directorate.

Mahesh Prabhudan Langa has tried to manipulate and obscure the true nature of financial transactions involved in cheating and GST Input Tax Credit scam.

The inconsistencies in his statement raised further suspicion about his attempts to hide the origins and purpose of the utilization of funds.

Further investigation is under progress.

IANS with edits