Gujarat HC questions ‘hue and cry’ around GST scam case involving journalist Mahesh Langa

The Gujarat High Court on Monday asked why there was a “hue and cry” surrounding the case relating to the alleged involvement of journalist Mahesh Langa in a Goods and Services Tax-related scam, Bar and Bench reported.

Justice Sandeep N Bhatt made the remarks as Langa, who works with The Hindu newspaper in Ahmedabad, withdrew his petition challenging his 10-day remand in police custody in the matter.

The police case hinges on a statement made by a relative of Langa, who claimed he was instructed by the journalist to carry out fraudulent transactions. The police have not found any transactions directly tying Langa to the alleged scam.

The journalist and the others accused in the matter were arrested after the Crime Branch, Economic Offences Wing and Special Operations Group of the Gujarat Police raided 14 locations in the state on October 7.

On October 10, Langa, along with the others arrested in the case, was sent to 10-day police remand by an Ahmedabad court. A day later, Langa moved the High Court against his remand.

At the hearing on Monday, the counsel for Langa told the court that he wanted to withdraw his petition.

Bhatt, in response, questioned his decision to withdraw the plea. The counsel said that he did not have information on it.

Subsequently, Bhatt asked why the case was “so publicised”,...

Read more