Baramulla, Oct 23 (JKNS): In a significant crackdown on criminal misuse of media credentials, Baramulla Police have arrested Riyaz Ahmad Mugloo for allegedly posing as a journalist to extort money and intimidate individuals and public officials through social media.
In a statement issued here to news agency JKNS spokesperson said, Baramulla Police have arrested Riyaz Ahmad Mugloo for his involvement in multiple cases of extortion, blackmail, and criminal intimidation, wherein he allegedly misused the title of a journalist to threaten and extort money from individuals and public officials through social media for unlawful financial gain, statement reads.
A complaint was received from employees of the Municipal Council Baramulla alleging that the accused had extorted money from them and was demanding additional payment under the threat of publishing defamatory content. Acting promptly, FIR No. 186/2025 under Sections 308(2), 351, and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at Police Station Baramulla, and investigation was initiated, it reads.
During the course of investigation, video evidence showing the accused accepting bribe money was seized by the investigating team. Digital devices and other incriminating materials have also been seized and are being examined to determine the extent and nature of the accused’s online activities and possible involvement in other similar cases, it reads.
It is pertinent to mention that a similar complaint had been received earlier at Police Station Baramulla, wherein a citizen was allegedly threatened by the same individual with uploading videos of his construction work on social media to malign his image. On this complaint, a previous FIR was registered and is already under active investigation, it reads.
Following repeated allegations and verification of his activities, the media organization with which he was associated had already terminated his services a few days ago, it reads.
Both cases are being investigated thoroughly to establish the full extent of the accused’s criminal conduct and to identify any possible accomplices, it reads.
Baramulla Police reiterates its firm commitment to take strong action against elements involved in extortion, intimidation, and blackmail, and to ensure the protection of citizens from such illegal activities, reads the statement. (JKNS)
