ED Detains Gujarat Samachar Director Bahubali Shah: Backlash Grows Over Alleged Attack on Press Freedom

Ahmedabad | May 17, 2025 — The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday detained Bahubali Shah, one of the directors of Gujarat Samachar, a prominent Gujarati daily, sparking widespread outrage among journalists, opposition leaders, and civil society. The move, which follows recent income tax raids on affiliated media channels, has triggered serious concerns about the erosion of press freedom in India.

ED Crackdown After I-T Raids on Media Outlets

The ED action came just hours after a 36-hour-long Income Tax search at the offices of GSTV — a news channel associated with the Gujarat Samachar group. Bahubali Shah, who is a director of Lok Prakashan Ltd., the publisher of Gujarat Samachar, was taken into custody following an ED raid on the newspaper’s Ahmedabad headquarters.

Sources within the media house allege that multiple government agencies have been targeting the group in a coordinated manner since its critical reporting on the central government’s handling of recent developments, including the India-Pakistan conflict and the fallout of Operation Sindoor.

Political Reactions: “A Blow to Democratic Voices”

Senior political leaders have condemned the action, describing it as an attempt to muzzle dissent.

Rajya Sabha MP Shaktisinh Gohil (Congress) strongly criticized the move, calling it a “punishment for speaking truth to power.” In a statement, Gohil said:

"Gujarat Samachar has consistently held a mirror to those in power. Its fearless reporting on the recent India-Pakistan fallout appears to have provoked the Modi government to unleash its agencies in retaliation."

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera echoed these sentiments, calling Gujarat Samachar a “93-year-old publication with a bold anti-establishment voice.”

"This is the fate of those who dare to say the emperor is naked," Khera remarked, referring to the media outlet's pointed critiques of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

Health Concerns Over Bahubali Shah’s Detention

Prominent journalist Sheela Bhatt posted on social media that Bahubali Shah’s health deteriorated shortly after his detention. While authorities have not released any official statement on his medical condition, reports indicate he has been under stress due to the ongoing investigations.

Bhatt also cited Gujarat Samachar's managing editor and Shah's elder brother, Shreyansh Shah, who vowed to continue the publication’s mission:

"We will not be silenced. We have stood up against power before, and we will continue to do so."

Shreyansh Shah, often referred to as one of the most insightful political minds in Gujarat, has remained defiant despite the mounting pressure.

Civil Society and Media Community React

The ED’s actions have also stirred reactions across India’s journalism and media community. Many see the move as part of a larger pattern of harassment and intimidation against independent news outlets.

On X (formerly Twitter), several users voiced concerns that the crackdown sends a chilling message to journalists across the country.

"If your reporting affects their vote bank, they will find a reason to arrest you," said one post that went viral.

Press clubs and journalist unions have begun organizing statements of solidarity and legal support for the detained media executive. Several organizations have demanded judicial oversight into the use of tax and financial investigation agencies against media outlets critical of the government.

Context: History of Tensions with the Government

Gujarat Samachar has long been known for its independent editorial stance. During the Emergency in the 1970s, the newspaper faced similar pressure but continued publishing under restrictions. In recent years, the outlet has gained attention for its critical coverage of both state and central policies, particularly in Gujarat.

Its TV counterpart, GSTV, has also provided coverage that sharply differs from mainstream narratives, often giving space to whistleblowers, opposition voices, and grassroots movements.

While government officials have not provided a detailed justification for Shah’s detention, anonymous sources claim the investigations relate to alleged financial irregularities. However, no formal charges had been filed at the time of publication.

Experts Raise Red Flags on Use of Investigative Agencies

Legal experts and media watchdogs argue that while tax evasion and financial compliance are valid grounds for investigation, the timing and pattern of such actions raise red flags.

According to Sidharth Nayak, a Delhi-based legal analyst:

"When the ED and I-T raids disproportionately target media outlets critical of the government — and not others with similar profiles — it points to selective enforcement and political vendetta."

Media freedom rankings have already placed India in a concerning light. In the latest World Press Freedom Index, India dropped further in global rankings, with watchdogs citing increasing pressures on independent journalism.

Looking Ahead: Legal Battles and Public Solidarity

Legal teams representing Bahubali Shah have begun preparing for a possible court challenge against the detention. Human rights lawyers argue that procedural violations and the lack of formal charges could form the basis for relief.

Meanwhile, public support is building. Editorials in regional dailies, independent digital platforms, and civil society groups are calling for transparency in the investigation and for immediate medical attention to Shah.

Conclusion: A Test for Democracy?

The developments surrounding Gujarat Samachar come at a time when questions about the independence of Indian institutions — including investigative agencies — are at the forefront of public discourse.

The ED’s action, whether ultimately justified or politically motivated, has triggered a deeper debate about freedom of expression, accountability in governance, and the role of media in a democracy.

As the legal battle unfolds and the public response grows, all eyes remain on the central government’s next move — and whether this case becomes a tipping point in the ongoing clash between press freedom and political power.