KUWJ Meets Karnataka DGP; Crackdown on Fake Journalists & RTI Blackmailers: KUWJ Delegation Meets DGP Dr. M.A. Saleem Demanding Strict Action!
KUWJ Meets Karnataka DGP; Bengaluru: The Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has strongly urged the police department to take stringent action against fake journalists and Right to Information (RTI) activists who engage in blackmailing and defaming genuine media professionals.
A high-level delegation of KUWJ, led by its State President Shivananda Tagadur, met the Director General of Police (DGP) Dr. M.A. Saleem in Bengaluru and submitted a formal memorandum seeking immediate intervention.
Rise of “Visiting Card” Journalists and Extortion Rackets:
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the alarming rise of fraudulent individuals operating under the guise of the press. “People who have never published a newspaper, do not know how to write news, and have absolutely no connection to a professional newsroom are masquerading as journalists with fake visiting cards. Furthermore, some are forming namesake organizations solely to run extortion rackets as ‘RTI journalists’ and blackmail officials,” the memorandum stated.
Demand to Blacklist Fraudsters at Police Stations:
The KUWJ representatives brought to the DGP’s notice that these fake journalists frequently visit police stations to file baseless complaints or repeatedly file malicious RTI applications as a weapon to intimidate others. The union demanded that such elements must be identified and formally ‘Blacklisted’ across all police stations to put an end to their menace.
DGP Dr. M.A. Saleem took the memorandum seriously and assured the KUWJ delegation that the police department would take strict measures to crack down on these illegal activities and protect the dignity of genuine journalism.
Delegation Members Present:
The delegation included KUWJ Vice President Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa, General Secretary G.C. Lokesh, Secretaries Somashekara Keragodu and Ningappa Chavadi, and Treasurer Vasudeve Holla.