Rajouri, November 26
Ajay Sharma
More than three weeks after the Rajouri district administration and police launched a verification drive against ‘fake’ journalists, several impersonators continue to operate openly in the border district, allegedly extorting money from government officials, contractors, and local businessmen while brandishing counterfeit press cards and microphones bearing logos of little-known or defunct “news channels” and “web portals.”
According to sources at least a dozen individuals are still active in Rajouri. These self-styled reporters allegedly demand money to “kill” stories, threaten to file “negative reports,” and seek favours ranging from free fuel and meals to contracts for relatives.
On November 2, the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri had ordered a comprehensive verification of all journalists operating in the district after multiple complaints of extortion and misuse of press identity.
“The police had also seized several fake press IDs and warned of strict action under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” said sources, adding that yet some ‘impersonators’ are roaming around and are visiting government offices and introducing themselves as ‘senior correspondents’ of some YouTube channel or web portal that no one has ever heard of.
Sources alleged that these people have resorted to open blackmailing.
“The administration has initiated the process of weeding out these elements, but the process has to be expedited,” said sources adding that administration should also tighten noose against those social media influencers, who are enjoying lavish life style by impersonating as a journalist.
A senior police officer, wishing anonymity, said that they have registered cases in the past and more are under investigation. Whosoever is found indulging in criminal activity while posing as a journalist will be dealt with strictly?
