<h1>Responses sought from state and probe agency on journalist's bail plea in PMLA-linked money laundering case amid queries on credentials</h1> The Supreme Court sought responses from the state government and the investigative agency on a journalist's bail plea in a money laundering prosecution linked to an alleged financial fraud under the PMLA. The bench questioned the journalist's professional credentials while defence counsel said multiple FIRs and anticipatory bails form the backdrop. The high court had earlier refused bail, finding release would prejudice the prosecution. The investigative agency arrested the journalist in February; he had been arrested previously in October in a GST fraud probe. The money-laundering case arises from two city police FIRs alleging fraud, misappropriation, breach of trust and cheating causing loss of lakhs.