Pramesh S Jain
A delegation of the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) met Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police,Dr.M.A.Saleem and urged the police department to initiate stringent legal action against fake journalists and individuals allegedly misusing the Right to Information (RTI) Act for blackmail and extortion.
Delegation Led by KUWJ State President,Shivananda Tagadur,expressed concern over the increasing number of people with no connection to the journalism profession allegedly posing as journalists by using visiting cards and the names of media organisations to threaten and extort money from the public and government officials.
The union said such individuals,who neither have the credentials to report news nor any affiliation with recognised media organisations,are tarnishing the reputation of genuine journalists and undermining the credibility of the profession.
The delegation also urged the police to closely monitor those who frequently lodge complaints at police stations in the name of press organisations and allegedly misuse RTI applications for blackmail and harassment.
Responding to the memorandum, DGP,M.A.Saleem assured the delegation that the matter would be examined and appropriate action would be taken.
