A journalist was arrested in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar on charges of criminal conspiracy and extortion, the police said on Friday (September 15).
The journalist, identified as Majid Hyderi who is a resident of the Peerbagh area, was arrested after the police lodged a case against him following a court’s order, they added.
The case was registered under sections 120B, 177, 386 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Sadder police station based on the order issued by the JMIC court in Srinagar, the police said on X.
Hyderi was held for criminal conspiracy, intimidation, extortion, giving false information, defamation etc., according to the police.
Mehbooba, NC react
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti alleged that the arrest has “exposed the nexus between conmen & certain intelligence agencies”.
She claimed that the journalist was “dragged” from his home like a “wanted terrorist”.
“Majid Hyderi’s arrest late last night has exposed the nexus between conmen & certain intelligence agencies. He was dragged from his home like a wanted terrorist without following any legalities. His mother & sister pleaded to see a warrant but this too was denied. This is how journalists who expose scams are accused of intimidation & defamation,” Mehbooba, a former chief minister, posted.
However, the police said that they followed all legal formalities during the arrest of Hyderi.
"It is clarified that all legal procedures of formal arrest as mandated by law were fully followed. Family was clearly informed about the order of Hon'ble court regarding this. It is requested to kindly not fall prey to misinformation campaign by vested interests," the Srinagar Police said on X.
The National Conference, also a partner of the PDP in the I.N.D.I.A alliance, condemned the arrest and said that such actions have a chilling effect on the freedom of press.
"JKNC condemns the arrest of journalist Majid Hyderi last night. Such heavy-handed actions are detrimental to democracy and have a chilling effect on freedom of the press and expression," the party said on X.
(With PTI inputs)
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