Bahubali Shah, co-owner and director of Gujarat Samachar and Lok Prakashan Ltd., was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday evening, May 15, 2025, in connection with a money laundering case stemming from a 2023 complaint. The arrest followed extensive raids by the Income Tax Department and ED at multiple locations associated with Shah and his businesses.

Shah, 73, is linked to over 15 business entities, including the GSTV news channel. Following his arrest, he was hospitalized due to health issues. A special PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court granted him interim bail until May 31 on health grounds.

The arrest has sparked political controversy. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal, have criticized the move, alleging it is an attempt by the ruling BJP to suppress dissenting media voices. Media organizations, such as the Press Club of India, have also condemned the arrest, viewing it as a threat to press freedom.

Gujarat Samachar, established in 1932, is one of Gujarat’s oldest and most widely read newspapers. It is published by Lok Prakashan Ltd., a company historically associated with prominent figures like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Morarji Desai. The Shah family holds a majority stake in the company.

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