Journalist Mahesh Langa has been involved in a multi-crore Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) fraud in a high-profile financial investigation. Investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have found that Langa is alleged to be part of a network of 200 shell companies which, according to reports, were being used to fraudulently claim input tax credits (ITC) without any actual trade of goods or services.
This complex operation came to light in the course of searches at several of his associates’ properties, marking one of the largest tax fraud cases involving a journalist in recent times.
The ED’s findings paint a complex picture of Mahesh Langa’s role. As Gujarat correspondent for The Hindu, Langa allegedly exploited his professional standing for personal financial gain. He has been accused by the authorities of indulging in blackmail, settlement, and even trading upon leaked secret government documents for which reportedly he earned some crores.
Mahesh Langa involved in multi-crore fraud: What made authorities suspect him?
Recently, a raid led by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch unearthed Rs 20 lakh unaccounted for cash, some luxury products, and papers of unaccounted properties from the house. This mismatch between his reported annual income with his lavish lifestyle further pointed to something suspicious for the detectives, which compelled them to inform the Income Tax department.
One such shell company was Dhruvi Enterprises. It was reportedly formed using fake documents to procure GST registration fraudulently. This company issued worthless invoices to other entities as well, including DA Enterprises, which Langa is believed to be managing. Allegations are that the companies’ funds were routed back to Langa through the hawala networks.
G.S. Malik of Ahmedabad Police reported that extravagant spending by Langa abroad and other suspicious transactions caught the further attention of the agency. His wife and his cousin were proven innocent whereas his brother was suspected as a member. Notably, Manhar Langa was a lecturer; he was running another business firm named Nisarg Enterprises. Through this company either, financial manipulation had come into the fray.
ED is still investigating the case of journalist Mahesh Langa involved in multi-crore fraud. Many agencies are still digging deep to unearth the full extent of this fraudulent network and bring those involved to book.
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