Demands action against fake journalists, seeks monitoring of RTI activists misusing the law. The Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) has urged the Director General of Police (DGP) to take stringent action against fake journalists and individuals allegedly misusing the Right to Information (RTI) Act to harass genuine journalists.
A delegation led by KUWJ State President ShivanandaTagadoor met Director General of Police Dr. M.A. Salim in Bengaluru and submitted a memorandum seeking action in this regard.The delegation expressed concern over the increasing number of individuals posing as journalists by merely carrying visiting cards, despite having no association with any recognised media organisation or involvement in news gathering. It also alleged that certain individuals claiming to be RTI activists were misusing the RTI Act as a tool for blackmail and extortion. The delegation urged the Police Department to take proactive measures to curb such practices.
The KUWJ further alleged that some fake journalists, claiming affiliation with press organisations, have made it a practice to repeatedly file complaints at police stations and misuse the RTI mechanism to harass others. The delegation requested the DGP to ensure that such individuals are identified, blacklisted by police stations wherever appropriate, and proceeded against in accordance with the law. Responding to the memorandum, DGP Dr. M.A. Salim assured the delegation that the appeal would be examined seriously and that appropriate action would be taken.
The delegation included KUWJ Vice President Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa, General Secretary G.C. Lokesh, Secretaries Somashekar Keragodu and Ningappa Chavadi, and Treasurer Vasude Holla.
