Blackmailer reporter facing snatching case
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: In a startling revelation that exposed the rot within unregulated digital media operations, Onkar Singh, the Editor-in-Chief of an unregistered online portal, ‘The Daily Truth News’, has been found to possess an official Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly entry card – despite the portal having no registration or accreditation with the Department of Information and Public Relations.
The development has sent shockwaves through the journalistic fraternity, particularly as one of the portal’s so-called “Reporter”, Shubham, who was earlier booked by Channi Himmat Police in snatching case in 2023 under Section 382 IPC. The case is under judicial consideration in the court of Special Excise Magistrate and next date of hearing is Nov 12, 2025.
The working of the portal was exposed when snatcher cum blackmailer reporter Shubham, who claimed to be a journalist, demanded Rs 20,000 to delete a video posted on The Daily Truth News – an act that clearly amounts to blackmail and extortion.
Senior journalists and Press Club veterans have slammed the misuse of journalistic cover by individuals indulging in crime, and questioned how such a portal, devoid of legitimacy, managed to secure an Assembly access card.
Former General Secretary of the Press Club of Jammu and BJP leader Zorawar Singh Jamwal said: “It’s a matter of serious concern that a portal like The Daily Truth News, which operates without registration and is linked to cases of blackmail, was given Assembly access and their reporters are involved in heinous crimes like snatching.
When people accused of snatching and extortion project themselves as journalists, it’s not just illegal – it’s dangerous. The government must probe who facilitated this favour.”
Former Presidents of the Press Club of Jammu, Manu Shrivastava and Ashwani Kumar, also condemned the incident, terming it a mockery of both media ethics and official scrutiny.
Manu Shrivastava said, “This case highlights the urgent need for media verification. When unregistered individuals and fake reporters get official passes, it tarnishes the credibility of every genuine journalist. The Information Department should immediately investigate how The Daily Truth News gained entry into the Assembly.”
Ashwani Kumar added, “Journalism cannot be allowed to become a cover for crime. The issuing of Assembly cards to such portals is a serious lapse. The authorities must blacklist The Daily Truth News and take strict action against all involved.”
The episode has reignited demands for a comprehensive crackdown on blackmailer portals and a review of all media passes issued by official bodies.
With multiple cases surfacing against The Daily Truth News and its operatives, senior journalists are urging the government to ensure that only registered, credible, and accountable media organizations are recognized and permitted access to official events and institutions.