PCJ Secretary General condemns rise of ‘blackmailing’ portals in Jammu, calls for strict action
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Expressing serious concern over the growing menace of blackmailing digital portals operating under the guise of journalism, Dinesh Manhotra, Secretary General of the Press Club of Jammu (PCJ), has called for strict action against unregistered and extortionist online platforms that are tarnishing the image of genuine media professionals.
Referring to the recent STATE TIMES expose titled “Blackmailing Portals on Rise in Jammu; FIR Lodged against ‘The Daily Truth News’ for Extortion Attempt wherein he demanded Rs 20,000 for deleting a video from his unauthorised portal,” Manhotra lauded the publication for what he described as “commendable and courageous journalism” that exposed fake reporters misusing digital platforms for personal gain.
“This blackmailer reporter of ‘The Daily Truth News’ portal, identified as Shubham Manswalia alias Shivam, is already facing criminal charges in a snatching case under Section 382 of the IPC, with FIR No. 91/2023 registered at Channi Himmat Police Station. This clearly exposes his true character as a habitual offender masquerading as a journalist. Such elements must face the strictest legal action to protect the integrity of the media profession,” Manhotra asserted.
Manhotra warned that the proliferation of unregistered and unethical digital portals has led to increased cases of blackmail, harassment, and defamation, bringing disrepute to the media fraternity. He also appreciated Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s direction to act tough against fake journalists and ensure that only bona fide media professionals are recognized and engaged by government departments.
“The Lieutenant Governor’s firm stance against fake journalists is a welcome step. It is essential to distinguish between true journalists committed to public service and those exploiting digital media for personal gain,” Manhotra said.
“The exposure of such fraudulent individuals, including Shubham of The Daily Truth News, is a wake-up call for the authorities to act decisively against those who exploit the name of journalism for extortion and intimidation,” PCJ Secretary General Dinesh Manhotra said.
He cautioned that the unchecked proliferation of unregistered portals and YouTube channels in the region poses a serious threat to the credibility of legitimate media and has led to growing instances of harassment, defamation, and blackmail.
“These self-styled ‘digital journalists’ neither follow ethical journalism nor hold any legal recognition. They misuse social media platforms to blackmail businessmen, officials, and common citizens under the pretext of news reporting,” Manhotra stated, adding that such practices have brought disrepute to the noble profession of journalism.
The Press Club of Jammu, he said, strongly supports ethical, responsible, and fact-based journalism and will continue to raise its voice against those who bring shame to the media fraternity.
Manhotra has raised a serious question regarding the process through which unregistered portal editors are being issued Assembly entry cards. He questioned how individuals or online unregistered platforms without proper verification are gaining access to such privileges, which are meant exclusively for recognized media organizations and accredited journalists.
Manhotra emphasized that this practice not only undermines the credibility of professional journalism but also poses a potential security risk within sensitive government institutions.
He urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and registered FIR against Shubham for demanding Rs 20,000 to delete the video.
“The government must immediately identify and initiate legal proceedings against unregistered digital news platforms operating without authorization. A regulatory mechanism is essential to protect both the freedom of the press and the public from extortionists posing as journalists,” Manhotra emphasized.
He also urged law enforcement agencies to ensure speedy investigation and strict punishment for offenders involved in such cases, while commending STATE TIMES for taking a bold stand in defense of journalistic integrity.
