*Navi Mumbai – Indradev Pandey
In a significant crackdown on extortion, the Vashi police have apprehended Nityanand Mishra, a self-proclaimed reporter, for demanding Rs 40,000 from a spa owner. Mishra, who runs a weekly newspaper, was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000.
The incident unfolded when the spa owner approached the Vashi police, alleging that Mishra had threatened to publish defamatory articles about their business unless they paid him a hefty sum of Rs 40,000. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the police set up a trap to catch the accused in the act.
On the day of the arrest, Mishra arrived at the designated location to collect the bribe. Unbeknownst to him, plainclothes officers were lying in wait. As soon as Mishra accepted the Rs 30,000, the officers moved in and apprehended him.
Speaking to the press, a senior officer from the Vashi police station said, “We take such matters very seriously. Extortion, especially under the guise of journalism, undermines the integrity of the press and causes undue stress to business owners. We are committed to protecting the rights and safety of our citizens.”
Mishra’s arrest has sent ripples through the local community, highlighting the issue of fraudulent activities by individuals posing as journalists. Authorities have urged other potential victims to come forward and report any similar incidents, assuring them of strict action against such malpractices.
The police have registered a case against Nityanand Mishra under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. Further investigations are underway to determine if Mishra was involved in any other extortion cases or if he had accomplices.
This arrest underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for business owners to report any instances of harassment or extortion to the authorities promptly. The police’s swift and decisive action in this case serves as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar unlawful activities.
