Himachal: ‘A Star News’ Owner Caught Red-Handed Taking ₹2 Lakh Bribe in Blackmail Case Disguised as Journalism

Dharamshala | June 3
A disturbing case of blackmail and extortion under the guise of journalism has surfaced once again in Himachal Pradesh. The State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB), Dharamshala unit, has arrested Aamir Chand Dogra, owner of the Kangra-based channel ‘A Star News’, while he was caught red-handed accepting a ₹2 lakh bribe.

According to officials, Dogra had demanded the bribe from Bhuvnesh Chand Sood, a resident of Palampur. He allegedly threatened Sood with releasing a video on social media related to a land purchase made by Sood’s son in the Palampur area, claiming it could tarnish their family’s reputation if the payment wasn’t made.

Dogra is accused of deliberately creating fear and pressure to extort money unlawfully. However, instead of giving in to the threat, the complainant approached the Vigilance Bureau, leading to a well-planned trap that culminated in Dogra’s arrest while accepting the cash.

A case has been registered under Section 308(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to extortion and intimidation carried out with criminal intent.

The Vigilance Bureau has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on identifying possible accomplices. Authorities suspect that Dogra may have been involved in similar acts in the past. A detailed probe into his movable and immovable assets is also underway.

This incident comes on the heels of another similar case a few months ago in which two individuals were arrested in Kangra for using media credentials to carry out extortion. The case has once again raised concerns over the misuse of journalism for personal gain and criminal activity.