Jalna police arrest two for allegedly posing as journalists, threatening hospital

Jalna: Two people who allegedly posed as journalists and operated a social media news channel have been arrested in Maharashtra’s Jalna for allegedly threatening to defame a private hospital and demanding Rs 10,000, police said.

The case was registered following a complaint by the private hospital, which alleged that the duo confronted its management over the social media post accusing the facility of taking money from patients. Police said the accused claimed to have evidence against the hospital and allegedly threatened to make the allegations public.

The complaint relates to a patient who was treated at the hospital from August 11 to 15 under the Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana schemes. According to the hospital, the patient’s wife and a person associated with the health scheme had provided written statements saying that they had not paid anything for the treatment. 

On September 15, the hospital received a message from an unfamiliar mobile number, which was not initially answered. The following day, the hospital management reportedly came across a social media post alleging that patients were being charged for treatment. The post was said to be linked to a channel identified as N K News.

After the hospital contacted the number, one of the accused allegedly introduced herself as a journalist. The two later arrived at the hospital and claimed that a complaint had been received against the facility.

According to the complaint, the duo allegedly warned that the material would be circulated widely and that the hospital could face action for alleged fraud and cheating if the matter was taken to the administration.

The hospital’s HR manager allegedly handed over Rs 10,000 to prevent the claims from being circulated. The two then reportedly left the premises and removed the social media post. Following the complaint, Kadeem Jalna police arrested the two and registered a case under provisions relating to extortion, defamation and criminal intimidation, among other sections, India Today reports.

Police have begun investigating the allegations and are examining the social media activity and other circumstances surrounding the payment and the alleged threats.

The investigation has yet to establish the allegations against the accused.