Srinagar 14 February 2025: In a shocking turn of events, a journalist from Awami Reporter who was investigating illegal construction in Pahalgam is now facing threats and false allegations from a hotel owner. The reporter, who entered the hotel premises as part of an ongoing investigative report, was later accused of blackmail and theft of ₹2 lakh in what appears to be a desperate attempt to suppress the truth. The threat came from the WhatsApp massage in which he threatened him of lodging false FIR. The screen grab of the issue has been made public in the report now.
According to the journalist, the hotel in question was found violating environmental and building regulations, with unauthorized extensions being made in an ecologically sensitive zone. The reporter had gathered video evidence of these violations, which could expose a larger nexus of illegal constructions in the region.Rather than addressing the environmental and legal infractions, the hotel owner chose to retaliate by threatening legal consequences, including the fabrication of a false FIR against the journalist. The hotel owner leveled baseless accusations of trespassing, blackmail, and even theft—charges which Awami Reporter categorically denies, branding them as an attempt to divert attention from the illegal activities.
Speaking on the matter, Nasir Khan Managing Editor of Awami Reporter, stated:”This is not just an attack on our journalist but an attack on press freedom. Instead of taking action against illegal construction, the violators are trying to frame journalists with false accusations. We will not be intimidated.”
Legal expert Danish Bhat who has voluntarily decided to take this case points out that false FIRs against journalists have become a common tactic to deter “investigative reporting. Trespassing (Section 447 IPC) is a bailable offense, and the hotel owner’s allegations lack substantial proof. The journalist was inside the premises in a public space, performing their professional duty, and not engaged in any unlawful activity,” he added. In response to these threats,
Awami Reporter will lodge a police complaint with the Director General of Police, Jammu & Kashmir, demanding action against the hotel owner for Criminal Intimidation (Section 506 IPC) False Implication (Section 182 IPC). The organization has also called upon press bodies and journalist associations to intervene and ensure that such intimidation tactics do not go unchecked.
Ironically, Pahalgam, a renowned tourist destination, has been plagued by rampant illegal construction, often in violation of environmental laws. This case is just one among many where those exposing such violations are being targeted instead of the culprits facing legal action.With mounting pressure, it remains to be seen whether the administration will take strict action against those violating laws or allow intimidation tactics to silence journalism.Awami Reporter stands by its commitment to truth and investigative journalism, ensuring that illegal constructions in Kashmir do not go unnoticed.
Stay tuned for further updates.
