The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested senior Gujarat-based journalist Mahesh Langa in connection with a money laundering probe linked to an alleged financial fraud case.

Langa, a correspondent for The Hindu in Gujarat, was taken into custody and presented before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ahmedabad. The court granted the ED four-day custody until February 28, according to an official statement from the agency.

What Are the Allegations Against Mahesh Langa?

The ED launched its probe based on an FIR filed by the Ahmedabad deputy commissioner of police against Langa and others, citing cheating and criminal breach of trust. Another FIR, registered by the Satellite Police Station in Ahmedabad, accused him of fraud, misappropriation, and causing financial losses amounting to lakhs of rupees.

According to the ED, Langa engaged in multiple fraudulent financial transactions, allegedly extorted money from individuals, and misused his media influence for financial gains. The agency also claimed that he was involved in a GST Input Tax Credit scam, which remains under investigation.

The ED further alleged that Langa attempted to manipulate and conceal the origins of funds linked to the fraud and tax scam. Discrepancies in his statements, according to investigators, have added to suspicions regarding his financial dealings.

Langa’s lawyer has denied all charges, maintaining that the allegations are baseless. He was previously arrested by the Gujarat Police before being taken into ED custody.