Journalist accused of extortion attempt has no links with blrpost.com

Bengaluru

It has come to the attention of blrpost.com that an audio clip is being circulated claiming that this news website is owned by a person who allegedly attempted to extort police inspectors in Bengaluru.

In the audio, a journalist identified as Sharath Sharma Kalagaru claims that he owns blrpost.com and other independent media platforms in Karnataka. He also claims to be associated with the BTV news channel. In the First Information Report (FIR) the police have not named this website. In the FIR police named journalist, Btv owner and Btv reporters. 

This website categorically states that the said individual does not own blrpost.com and has no association with us in any manner. The website, currently operating in a blog format, is professionally run and adheres to the highest ethical and journalistic standards.

blrpost.com reserves the right to initiate legal action, if necessary, against anyone who uses or circulates this audio to tarnish or defame the image of the website.

What Is the Case

A 35-year-old former journalist was arrested in Bengaluru on Monday for allegedly attempting to extort ₹15 lakh from three police inspectors by threatening to air allegations related to a recent drug seizure. The case stems from a multi-agency operation conducted by Maharashtra’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), the Bengaluru City Police, and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Karnataka.

Police said the accused, Sharath Sharma Kalagaru, allegedly contacted Bagalur Police Sub-Inspector Ramesh Bandrada on December 28, claiming he had evidence that inspectors from the Kothanur, Avalahalli, and Bagaluru police stations had colluded with drug peddlers. He allegedly demanded ₹5 lakh from each inspector to prevent the broadcast of the story.

Based on recorded calls and WhatsApp messages, police registered an FIR under Section 308(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The owner of BTV Kannada and a reporter have also been booked. Sharath was produced before a court and remanded to police custody for two days.