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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MYAS launches quiz on national flag, 25 top-scorers to get trip to Siachen with Mandaviya
New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched an online quiz on the national flag and 25 top-scoring participants in the age bracket of 21 to 29 will get an opportunity to visit Siachen with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The quiz, according to the ministry, will "foster patriotism and enhance awareness about the Indian National Flag."
"This online quiz, hosted on the MYBharat portal (mybharat.gov.in), invites all citizen to participate and test their knowledge about the Tricolour," the ministry stated.
It will consist of multiple-choice questions and all contestants will be awarded an e-certificate.
"As a grand incentive, 25 top-scoring participants will be selected for a remarkable opportunity to visit Siachen in the company of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya," the ministry said.
"The selection of winners for the Siachen visit will be limited to youth between the ages of 21 and 29. The final selection of the 25 winners will be conducted through a computer-based lottery system from the pool of top scorers," it added.
