The Congress and the AAP slammed the BJP-led Union government over the move, saying it was an attempt to silence journalists.
Published May 16, 2025 | 9:22 AM ⚊ Updated May 16, 2025 | 9:22 AM
Bahubali Shah. (Facebook)
Synopsis: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of the leading Gujarati daily Gujarat Samachar, on charges of financial fraud.
In a late-night operation on Thursday, 16 May, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of the leading Gujarati daily Gujarat Samachar, on charges of financial fraud.
Reports say the family-run newspaper was raided by the income tax department officials a few days ago. Later, ED also raided the premises of the newspaper and locations linked to it. Recently, the X account of the newspaper was also blocked by the government following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Meanwhile, the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) slammed the BJP-led Union government over the move.
Gujarat Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil said Shah was targeted for doing his job.
“Gujarat Samachar owner Bahubalibhai Shah has been arrested. The family was reeling under grief following the death of their matriarch Smritiben, about three weeks back when the raids happened . Bahubalibhai is a senior citizen with health issues. I strongly condemn this excess by the Modi govt. Media doing its’ job is being ruthlessly targeted. BJP should know that not every media is Godi and ready to sell their soul,” he wrote in a post on X.
“Leading Gujarati newspaper Gujarat Samchar has always stood up against power, who so ever it be. However, showing mirror to BJP Government and PM Modi in the recent India – Pakistan fallout has ensured that Modi let out his favourite tool kit, his hounds. Income Tax( IT) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) has pounced upon Gujarat Samachar and its television channel GSTv besides other business entities,” he added.
Meanwhile, AAP Gujarat President Isudan Gadvi said it was an attempt to strangle journalism in the state.
“Attempt to strangle journalism in Gujarat… Gujarat Samachar owner Bahubalibhai Shah arrested by ED. Income Tax and ED raids on Gujarat Samachar and GSTV News in the last 48 hours. Attempts are being made by the government to suppress the fearless and unbiased ‘Gujarat Samachar’,” he said in a post on X.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
