Zorawar Singh seeks ban on ‘blackmailer’ portal ‘The Daily Truth News’; appreciates ST for exposing fake reporter

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Strongly condemning the rising menace of blackmailing digital portals in Jammu, BJP leader and former General Secretary of the Press Club of Jammu, Zorawar Singh, has called for stringent action against all unregistered and extortionist online platforms masquerading as news portals.

Referring to the STATE TIMES’ (ST) expose titled “Blackmailing Portals on Rise in Jammu; FIR Lodged against “The Daily Truth News” for Extortion Attempt,” Zorawar Singh lauded the publication for its “commendable and courageous journalism” in unmasking blackmailer reporters such as Shubham of The Daily Truth News.
“Such blackmailer portals are a blot on the noble profession of journalism. They must be immediately banned, and strong legal action should be initiated against individuals misusing the media for extortion and blackmail,” Zorawar Singh said in a statement issued on Sunday.
He appealed to the government and police to take serious cognizance of the matter and book “The Daily Truth News” reporter Shubham, who take money in exchange for suppressing fabricated stories.
“I have come to know that this blackmailer reporter of ‘The Daily Truth News’ portal Shubham Manswalia alias Shivam, who demanded Rs 20 thousand for erasing video from his portal is already facing criminal charges for under section 382 of the IPC. This FIR 91/2023 registered at Channi Himmat completely exposes this blackmailer reporter,” said Zorawar Singh.
Calling the rise of such portals a “serious threat to media credibility and public trust,” Zorawar Singh urged the administration to issue clear directives for regulation of digital and electronic media in Jammu, similar to that order which is issued in Srinagar.
“There are more blackmailer portals operating in Jammu than in Srinagar. The government must issue strict registration guidelines, licensing norms, and mandatory verification for all online news platforms to prevent the misuse of press credentials,” he added. Zorawar Singh, the senior journalist and political leader stressed that freedom of the press should never be used as a shield for blackmailing and extortion.
“Real journalists uphold ethics and accountability. These self-styled portal operators, who threaten people for money under the garb of media, deserve no leniency. They must be exposed, prosecuted, and permanently barred from operating,” Zorawar asserted.
He also commended STATE TIMES for “taking a bold and professional stand” against unethical journalism.
“I congratulate STATE TIMES for exposing such elements. The paper has performed a commendable job by unmasking fake reporters like Shubham who bring disrepute to genuine media professionals,” Zorawar stated.
Reiterating his demand, Zorawar Singh appealed to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, J&K Govt led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Information Department to prepare a comprehensive framework for registration, monitoring, and accountability of online news portals to ensure that digital journalism remains a platform for truth and public interest – not for blackmail and extortion.