Mohammad Hazik
Baramulla, Oct 23: In a major crackdown on misuse of journalistic privilege, Baramulla Police have arrested a man identified as Riyaz Ahmad Mugloo, a self-styled journalist, for his alleged involvement in multiple cases of extortion, blackmail, and criminal intimidation. The arrest follows his recent termination from the daily newspaper Mission Kashmir amid mounting allegations of unethical conduct.
According to official sources, FIR No. 186/2025 has been registered at Police Station Baramulla under Sections 308(2), 351, and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case pertains to a complaint filed by employees of the Municipal Council Baramulla, who accused Mugloo of extorting money from them under threats of publishing defamatory material on social media.
Complaints and Evidence
As per the police statement, the accused “misused the title of journalist to demand money from individuals and officials through threats and coercion on social media,” coercing them into paying sums to avoid reputational harm. Upon receiving a formal complaint, an investigative team launched a swift probe that led to the recovery of incriminating evidence, including video footage purportedly showing the accused accepting cash payments.
“The seized digital devices and video evidence are currently being examined to determine the extent of the accused’s online activities and whether others were involved,” a police spokesperson from Media Cell Baramulla said.
The Police further revealed that Mugloo was previously accused in a similar case where a private citizen alleged that the same individual threatened to upload videos of his construction work to malign his image unless paid off. That earlier FIR remains under active investigation.
Termination from Mission Kashmir
Days before his arrest, the management of Daily Mission Kashmir had formally terminated Mugloo’s employment following an internal review and verification of misconduct allegations. In an official communication to the Joint Director Information, Kashmir, Tariq Iqbal, Managing Editor of the publication, confirmed the dismissal, citing repeated complaints of blackmail and extortion involving Mugloo.
“The management, after receiving credible inputs and verbal instructions from the Directorate of Information, decided to terminate his services. The individual’s actions were found to be detrimental to the newspaper’s integrity and reputation,” the letter stated.
The correspondence further emphasized that Mission Kashmir continues to uphold “ethical standards in journalism” and disassociates itself from acts that could compromise its credibility as a reputed media organization in Jammu and Kashmir. The paper also clarified that it had fully complied with directions from the authorities and sought expeditious clearance of its pending departmental entitlements.
Legal Action and Police Statement
Police have confirmed Mugloo’s arrest and detention for custodial interrogation. They suspect that his digital communications may reveal a pattern of blackmail extending beyond the initial complaints. Preliminary analysis suggests he used his social media presence to threaten officials and private individuals with defamatory posts or fabricated video content, leveraging his supposed journalistic role for financial extortion.
Senior police officials in Baramulla maintained that stringent legal action would follow, in line with the seriousness of the charges. “No one will be allowed to misuse the freedom of press for criminal acts. We have already established material evidence and are pursuing investigations to uncover any accomplices,” a senior officer said.
Repeated Allegations and Wider Implications
This arrest and termination have sparked discussions in local journalistic circles about accountability and professional ethics. Media professionals across north Kashmir have called for stronger self-regulation within news organizations to weed out individuals who exploit the profession for unlawful gain.
Police sources added that the ongoing investigation aims to establish the complete scope of Mugloo’s activities, including possible connections with other incidents of intimidation reported in the district over the past few months.
Police Reaffirms Zero Tolerance
In its concluding statement, the Baramulla Police reiterated its “firm commitment to protect citizens from extortion and blackmail,” emphasizing that anyone attempting to misuse the platform of journalism for personal enrichment would face strict legal consequences.
The arrest of Riyaz Ahmad Mugloo marks a decisive move against unethical practices undermining public trust in media institutions and reinforces law enforcement’s commitment to transparency and integrity in public service.