STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In yet another case highlighting the misuse of digital media platforms, a local online news portal, The Daily Truth News, has come under police investigation after its reporter was found blackmailing a reputed hotel of Jammu City and demanded Rs 20, 000 to suppress a fabricated story.
According to the complaint filed with police, The Daily Truth News reporter Shivam (mobile number 9149920248) tried to extort money from management of a prominent hospitality brand in Jammu.
The hotel’s management stated that Shivam recorded a fabricated video outside the premises and uploaded it on his portal. He then contacted the hotel, demanding a sum of Rs 20 thousand to delete the video. Audio evidence submitted to the police reportedly captures the reporter Shivam demanding money to erase the video.
Police officials confirmed that the complaint has been received and that an investigation is underway. “We are examining the recordings and will take appropriate legal action,” said an officer.
Unregistered Portals – A Growing Menace: This incident adds to the rising number of complaints in Jammu about unregistered “news portals” using journalism as a cover for blackmail and extortion. Many of these unregistered portals operate without any registration, and often engage in coercion rather than legitimate reporting.
“These unregistered portals damage the credibility of real journalists,” said a senior member of the Jammu Press Club. “They approach businesses or individuals, shoot videos, and later use them as leverage for extortion. The government must introduce strict regulation of digital news outlets.”
Political Cover and Misuse of Power: What makes such cases more serious is that several portal operators reportedly hold positions in political organizations. Their political links often discourage victims from reporting them to authorities, fearing repercussions or influence.
“This is a dangerous mix of politics and unethical journalism,” said a local media observer. “When such individuals misuse both platforms for financial gain, it’s not only criminal but also an assault on free press ethics.”
Public Demand for Action: Civil society groups and legitimate journalists have called on the police and administration to identify and blacklist all fake or unregistered news portals engaged in such practices.
“This is pure blackmail, not journalism,” said a journalist from a reputed media house. “It’s time to clean up the digital media space before it completely loses credibility.”
Police Assure Strict Action: Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to immediately report any cases of blackmail or extortion by self-styled reporters or online portals. Cybercrime units are also tracking digital activity linked to unverified media pages to identify patterns of extortion.
Authorities have reiterated that freedom of the press cannot be misused for personal or political gain. “We have started investigating and the case involving The Daily Truth News will become a precedent-setting example with the strict action against this alleged blackmailer reporter Shivam, police said.