Ahmedabad-based journalist Mahesh Linga, currently in Sabarmati Jail for an alleged GST fraud case, is facing new charges of extorting 28 lakh rupees from a local businessman.
The businessman, who runs an advertising company, claims that Linga used his political connections and influence to gain his trust. Linga allegedly convinced the businessman to transfer nearly 10 lakh rupees in March and over 12 lakh rupees in June to accounts connected to Linga’s wife and brother under the pretense of needing funds for an office purchase.
Furthermore, Linga is accused of persuading the businessman to spend over 5 lakh rupees on a banquet hall and decorations for his wife’s birthday, with the promise of reimbursement. However, Linga allegedly failed to repay any of the money and threatened to use his journalistic position to harm the businessman’s company if he pursued the matter.
This is the third case filed against Linga, who is associated with The Hindu newspaper. Police are investigating the extortion accusations and have previously recovered 2 million rupees in cash from Linga’s residence.
