Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Police is set to launch a stringent investigation against news portals, social media platforms, and YouTube channels accused of blackmail, extortion, and unethical journalistic practices. This action follows a formal complaint lodged by the Confederation of Online Media India (ComIndia), the apex body representing independent online news portals.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Manoj Abraham directed the Inspector Generals (IGs) of the state’s southern and northern regions to conduct a thorough and immediate investigation.
In recent days, ComIndia President Saj Kurian and Secretary KK Sreejith formally submitted complaints to the offices of the Chief Minister, Director General of Police (DGP), and ADGP, calling for stringent action against fraudulent media entities that damage the credibility and reputation of professionally operating online media organisations.
ComIndia’s complaint emphasizes the widespread threat posed by fraudulent online platforms, social media pages, and YouTube channels that target businesses, entrepreneurs, healthcare institutions, and religious and political figures for financial gain under the cover of journalism. It further alleges the involvement of criminal groups and anti-social elements behind these unauthorized online media activities.
The complaint particularly highlights the practice of individuals creating deceptive Facebook pages and YouTube channels without proper websites, masquerading as legitimate media to extort money from victims. ComIndia also points out that certain groups form fake media associations to collectively intensify their illicit activities.
Additionally, these entities have been accused of disseminating inflammatory content designed to provoke communal tensions, resulting in numerous complaints and conflicts. The ADGP’s directive includes revisiting and scrutinizing earlier complaints lodged across various police stations in Kerala to ensure comprehensive action against these fraudulent practices.
Kerala Police affirmed its commitment to taking strict legal action against all media-related fraudulent activities and urged the public and businesses to report suspicious media operations promptly.
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