Hyderabad: Fake media reporters harass Srinagar Colony businessman, Rs 12 lakhs paid

Hyderabad: In a shocking case of prolonged harassment and extortion, a businessman from Srinagar Colony has alleged an ongoing torment he endured for five years. Manish Jain, aged 45, and a resident of Kamalapuri Colony, Srinagar Colony, has filed a complaint against four individuals claiming to be local media reporters.

According to Manish, the individuals have incessantly harassed him through numerous phone calls and demanded substantial sums of money. Jain is constructing a building on his own site, and the self-proclaimed media persons approached him with threats, stating that he has deviated from construction norms. They warned him that they would write a news article about him, complain to GHMC officers, and have his building demolished.

The individuals have been identified as Kiran, Vijay, Srinivas, and Ravinder. Their relentless calls, numbering between 20 and 30 per day, have caused immense distress to Manish and significantly impacted his personal and professional life.

The accused have also allegedly trespassed onto Manish’s construction site, where they captured photographs of his building. In an attempt to coerce him into compliance, Manish said that they have threatened to demolish the structure unless their monetary demands are met. Manish said that these intimidation tactics left him living in constant fear for his safety and the security of his property.

This is not the first time Manish has faced such a situation. Five years ago, when he constructed a building, he said he was subjected to similar harassment and coercion by the same individuals. Back then, they even went as far as pressuring him to take his own life. Overwhelmed by the unbearable torment and fearing for his life, Manish said he had to succumb to their demands and paid them a staggering amount of Rs 12 lakh. Now, they have threatened him again, stating that they will demolish his building by claiming deviations and complaining to the GHMC vigilance wing.

Manish lodged an official complaint at Banjara Hills police station on June 18, detailing the ongoing harassment and extortion. The case has been registered under Sections 447, 385, 386, 506 IPC r/w 120(B) IPC and is currently under investigation, said inspector Narender of the Banjara Hills police.