Hyderabad: Police in Mancherial arrested two men for posing as journalists and trying to extort bar managers and businessmen. Officials said the accused used fake press identity cards of a news channel to intimidate victims.
Town Sub-Inspector Mazaroddin said the case began when Syed Siraj entered Sri Sai Srinivasa Bar on RP Road. After consuming alcohol, he allegedly demanded free biryani from the manager. When refused, he threatened to misuse his supposed media connections.
Fake IDs exposed
During inquiry, police found that Siraj’s associate Bandi Kiran had prepared a fake journalist identity card of a news channel. He had handed it over to Siraj to add weight to the threats. Investigators said the duo had been targeting businesses for some time. They posed as media personnel and forced owners to provide free services.
On Thursday, police arrested both men and produced them before court. A magistrate remanded them to 14 days in judicial custody. They were then shifted to Laxettipet jail.
Tarnishing journalism’s image
Police said such fraudulent acts damage the reputation of genuine journalists who work for public interest. Local journalists also noted that misuse of press cards for extortion erodes public faith in the media.
The case has now sparked calls for stricter verification and regulation of press identity cards. Journalists and officials alike believe tougher checks are needed to prevent misuse by criminal elements.
