Gujarat Samachar owner arrested by ED; Cong alleges targeting over critical reporting on Modi govt
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Bahubali Shah, one of the owners of Gujarat Samachar, a leading Gujarati newspaper, on charges related to financial fraud. According to reports, the arrest took place late Thursday night, May 15, following a simultaneous operation by the Income Tax Department.
Sources close to the family, as quoted by Deccan Herald, confirmed Shah was taken into custody after the raids. Shah reportedly experienced chest pain following his arrest and was initially taken to VS Hospital before being shifted to Zydus Hospital for further medical attention.
The opposition Congress has strongly condemned the arrest, alleging it was politically motivated. Gujarat Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil claimed that the move was a direct consequence of Gujarat Samachar’s critical coverage of the Narendra Modi government, particularly its recent reporting on the India-Pakistan conflict.
“Bahubali Shah was arrested by the ED hours after an Income Tax operation. The real reason behind his arrest is the paper’s critical writing against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government,” said Gohil.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Gohil alleged that the ED and IT actions were aimed at intimidating independent media voices. He noted that the raids came while the Shah family was still mourning the recent death of their matriarch, Smritiben.
“Gujarat Samachar has always stood up against power. However, for showing the mirror to the BJP government and Prime Minister Modi during the recent India-Pakistan fallout, they have been targeted. The BJP has deployed its favourite toolkit—Income Tax and ED—against the newspaper, its TV channel GSTv, and associated business entities,” Gohil posted.
He further added, “Bahubalibhai is a senior citizen with health concerns. I strongly condemn this excess by the Modi government. Media that does its job is being ruthlessly targeted. BJP should know that not every media is 'Godi media' willing to sell its soul. I stand with Gujarat Samachar and all journalists who speak truth to power. Jai Hind.”
The ED has not issued an official statement on the matter yet.
Punishment to stand up for Truth has been the motto of the BJP government.
— Shaktisinh Gohil MP (@shaktisinhgohil) May 15, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/09gfFouuWc
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
