Chandrapur: In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the local media circles, four individuals posing as journalists — including an editor and three correspondents — have been arrested for extorting ₹1 lakh from a widow in Chandrapur.
According to police, the accused threatened the woman with false news coverage linking her to illegal activities unless she paid them. When she hesitated, they allegedly intimidated her with death threats, forcing her to hand over the money.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
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07 Oct 2025
- Raju Namdevarrao Shambharkar (57) – Editor, Satyashodhak News (web portal)
- Kunal Yashwant Gargelwar (37) – District Correspondent, India 24 News
- Avinash Manohar Madavi (33) – Taluka Correspondent, Dainik Vidarbha Kalyan
- Rajesh Narayan Nikam (56) – District Correspondent, Bharat TV News, Agra
The shocking incident unfolded when the four self-proclaimed journalists arrived at the widow’s house, claiming to have “evidence” of her alleged illegal work. They demanded ₹1 lakh to suppress the story, warning her of “serious consequences” if she refused to comply.
After the terrified woman paid the money, she approached the Ramnagar Police Station, which immediately launched an investigation. Acting swiftly, police arrested all four accused.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to the extortion, and investigators have found that two more individuals were involved in the racket. A manhunt is underway to track them down.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Mumakka Sudarshan, Additional SP Ishwar Katkade, and DySP Pramod Chougule, led by PI Asif Raja Shaikh and his team.
Police officials have since urged citizens to stay alert:
“If anyone posing as a journalist or police officer demands money or threatens to publish false news, report immediately to your nearest police station or call 112.”
The arrests have reignited public debate about fake journalists misusing media identities to exploit innocent citizens — a growing menace in smaller districts, especially during election season.
