Enforcement Directorate Files Charges Against Journalist Mahesh Langa Under PMLA
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against journalist Mahesh Langa under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The complaint, submitted on April 17, relates to extortion and financial misconduct linked to his journalistic activities.
Key Takeaways
- ED filed a case against Mahesh Langa under PMLA.
- Langa accused of cheating and extortion.
- Investigations reveal misuse of media position.
- Assets worth several lakhs attached by ED.
- Case has drawn significant media attention.
Ahmedabad, April 21 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Ahmedabad Zonal Office, has lodged a prosecution complaint against journalist Mahesh Prabhudan Langa under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The complaint was presented before the Special Court (PMLA), Ahmedabad, on April 17.
The court acknowledged the case on the same day.
The ED disclosed this information via a press statement issued on Monday.
The ED launched a money laundering investigation stemming from an FIR filed at the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) police station in Ahmedabad City.
The FIR accuses Langa of cheating and criminal breach of trust.
Additionally, another FIR was submitted against him by the Satellite Police Station, Ahmedabad, for extortion.
In light of these events, Langa was detained under Section 19 of the PMLA by the ED and is currently in judicial custody.
The ED's investigation has uncovered that Langa allegedly exploited his position and media contacts to extort money from individuals.
According to the agency, he threatened to publish damaging news articles about the complainants unless they paid him substantial amounts.
This alleged manipulation of media served as the basis for his extortion strategies, leading to financial losses totaling several lakhs of rupees for various individuals, as stated by the ED.
Further inquiries enabled the ED to trace a money trail associated with the proceeds of crime supposedly generated by Langa, according to the agency's statement.
On April 9, the agency issued a provisional attachment order to confiscate assets believed to have been obtained through unlawful means.
The seized asset includes a fixed property—an office space situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
This case has attracted considerable public and media scrutiny, particularly given Langa's association with a national publication.
