On June 3, 2025, Amir Chand Dogra, owner of the ‘A Star News’ channel in District Kangra, was caught accepting extortion money. He had demanded ₹2 lakh from Bhuvnesh Chand Sood, threatening to tarnish his image with a video clip regarding a land purchase. A case under section 308(2) BNS has been registered at the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in Dharamshala.
Earlier on July 10, 2024,, the Vigilance Department had received a complaint against the journalists. Acting on this complaint, a trap was laid, leading to their apprehension. “We recovered 25,000 in cash and a cheque for 25,000 from each of the arrested individuals,” said ACP Singh. “Both persons have been arrested, and further investigation is ongoing.”
The accused journalists, identified as Mrityunjay Puri and Rakesh Kumar, run the channels Khabar Aaj Tak and Khabar Ajab Gajab, respectively (the authenticity of these news Channels is also being checked). Following the arrest, an FIR was registered at Dharamshala Police Station under Section 308(2) and 3(5) of BNS. The vehicle used by the accused in their extortion activities has also been seized.
According to police sources, the Vigilance team meticulously planned and executed the operation, ensuring the accused were caught in the act. The arrested journalists are scheduled to be produced in court today for remand.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat corruption and illicit activities in the region, ensuring that those who abuse their positions of power are held accountable. Further updates on the investigation and court proceedings are expected in the coming days.
Interestingly, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu in the state assembly had claimed some social media journalists in Baddi and Shimla were involved in blackmailing.
