Avinash Azad
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, May 12: A fake ‘Block Development Officer (BDO)’ in Rajouri in connivance with a so-called journalist hatched a conspiracy to defame a hardworking freelance scribe working for many reputed national news channels as well as with a leading newspaper of J&K.
The conspiracy to defame a journalist came to fore when an audio clip went viral on social media. In this audio clip, the fake BDO and the so-called journalist could be heard defaming a scribe, who is known for professional work ethics while approaching anyone among the bureaucracy in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
The recorded conversation between a colleague of the freelance scribe, Rajesh (name changed) and fake journalist which went viral on social media divulged, “The freelance journalist Gulshan (name changed) had demanded extortion of Rs 3 lakh from BDO Rajouri, who is on the verge of retirement.”
The so-called journalist while further conversing with the freelancer’s coworker, Rajesh (name changed) passed on the phone to another person, who introduced himself as BDO Rajouri, and could be heard wailing for his lost kidneys in the audio clip.
The fake BDO alleged that he was being harassed by Gulshan due to which he finally paid Rs 3 lakh to him to prevent further harassment, meanwhile, the so-called journalist snatched the phone and used abusive language against the innocent scribe.
When the audio went viral, Gulshan who was victimized by a lobby of alleged blackmailers, identified the fake BDO and took up the matter with the Press Club Rajouri (PCR), as he is one of its members. The members of PCR summoned the fake BDO, who confessed that he defamed Gulshan at behest of the fake journalist.
“I have submitted a written complaint to Rajouri Police seeking action against the persons who have defamed me without any reason, though both the conspirators have been identified by the media fraternity of Rajouri, still we want to expose them in public so that in future such plotters could be discouraged”, said victim scribe, adding that however, it was my character assassination, unfortunately some people of same character, are trying to hush-up the matter and shield the black sheep.
Dr Abdul Khabir, BDO Rajouri, who was named in the audio, when contacted said that total baseless claims were made in the audio. “I also heard the audio and the person who was defamed in it, is a person of high integrity and a professional journalist”, he said, adding that it was learned that he (victim) has knocked the door of Rajouri Police for justice. “I appreciate the investigation initiated by the Police, and hope that truth will prevail, those are behind character assassination of an innocent scribe should be punished”, said Dr Khabir, a KAS officer who will retire from service after at least 25 years rather than three months claimed in the audio.
SSP Rajouri Chandan Kohli when contacted said, “Following a written complaint from a journalist, investigation into the case has begun. DySP Headquarter Rajouri is heading the investigation”, he said. |
