Raipur police presses charges about fake news after arresting journalist over making satire mocking Congress
Police claimed that they have found incriminating material on journalist Sharma’s phone including evidence of blackmailing, pornography and fake news
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Raipur, March 7: Raipur Police has released a multi-point press release over the arrest of journalist Nilesh Sharma. Journalist Ashutosh Bhardwaj shared screenshots of the release issued by the Raipur Police.
The Police claimed Sharma took money from many people on the pretext of getting work done and there were chats where they have asked him to return the money as the work was not done. The Police added that those people will be questioned during the investigation.
The Police alleged he was in contact with prostitutes and used objectionable and indecent language while talking to some women. “Similar chats were also found between Sharma and other men,” the Police claimed.
The Police further alleged Sharma used his position as a journalist to blackmail and intimidate several people. The Police would question the victims later during the investigation.
On March 2, journalist Nilesh Sharma was arrested by Raipur Police for his political satire. He was accused of spreading fake news. Sharma, who is the editor of the web portal indiawriters.co.in and print magazine ‘India Writers’, runs a popular series based on political satire in the name of ‘Gharwa Ke Mati’. The series uses fictional characters resonating with the Congress leaders and MLAs in Chhattisgarh.
Congress worker Khilwan Nishad complained to Sharma and accused him of using derogatory language against the Congress leaders of the state. The cyber cell of the Police immediately acted upon the complaint and arrested Sharma late in the night.
It has been claimed by the police that they have found incriminating material on Sharma’s phone including evidence of blackmailing, pornography and fake news. Sharma, who was arrested on March 2 under Section 504, 505, 505 (1) (b) and 505 (2) of the Indian Penal Code, had applied for bail but it was rejected by the lower court. Sharma’s website is down since his arrest.
Raipur police's press release today on journalist Nilesh Sharma arrest:
— Ashutosh Bhardwaj (@ashubh) March 6, 2022
His ph has porn clips. He was in touch with prostitutes; was chatting in objectionable language with women and men.
His ph has confidential govt documents.
His deeds defamed the holy act of journalism. pic.twitter.com/dZ964RNfbE
The Police claimed to have found additional evidence on his phone that they had confiscated from him at the time of the arrest. The Police alleged Sharma gained access to someone’s call records via a Police Officer. As per the law, only investigating agencies can get access to someone’s call records that too after submitting a request with a valid reason. However, in this case, the call records were obtained illegally.
The Police claimed Sharma took money from many people on the pretext of getting work done and there were chats where they have asked him to return the money as the work was not done. The Police added that those people will be questioned during the investigation.
Also Read | Journalist arrested for his political satire after Congress accuses him of spreading ‘fake news’
Raipur Police further alleged Sharma had pornographic content on his phone and forwarded it to several people which is an offence under the IT Act. The Police might question those who received pornographic content from Sharma.
The Police alleged he was in contact with prostitutes and used objectionable and indecent language while talking to some women. “Similar chats were also found between Sharma and other men,” the Police claimed.
The Police further alleged Sharma used his position as a journalist to blackmail and intimidate several people. The Police would question the victims later during the investigation.
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The Police alleged to have found official confidential documents on Sharma’s mobile phone. They said such documents can only be obtained with the help of a govt officer or employee.
On March 2, journalist Nilesh Sharma was arrested by Raipur Police for his political satire. He was accused of spreading fake news. Sharma, who is the editor of the web portal indiawriters.co.in and print magazine ‘India Writers’, runs a popular series based on political satire in the name of ‘Gharwa Ke Mati’. The series uses fictional characters resonating with the Congress leaders and MLAs in Chhattisgarh.
Congress worker Khilwan Nishad complained to Sharma and accused him of using derogatory language against the Congress leaders of the state. The cyber cell of the Police immediately acted upon the complaint and arrested Sharma late in the night.
Bharati Web
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