Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (ANK)
Beltangady, Jan 20: A reporter of an Udupi-based TV channel has been accused of blackmailing and threatening the driver of tahsildar in connection to sand mining.
Prateek Kotian, a resident of Laila here, Mangaluru correspondent of the TV channel, allegedly blackmailed and threatened the driver saying that he had recordings of him and the tahsildar receiving bribe from lorries transporting sand illegally.
Prateek allegedly also threatened that he would hand over the recordings to Dakshina Kannada DC for further action and demanded lacs of rupees in return from the driver.
This is not the first instance that Prateek has been involved in such allegations. According to a complaint filed in the Beltangady police station by social activist Venkappa Kotian, Prateek used to allegedly file fake reports and on that basis, he blackmailed people and exorted lacs from them. He also acquired money by using the name of noted journalist Vijaya Lakshmi Shibaroor, the complaint states.
It is learnt that Venkappa Kotian laid a trap for Prateek, where he found recordings of Prateek allegedly threatning and demanding money from the driver. Venkappa then filed a complaint in Beltangady police station along with the recordings as proof. Venkappa also demanded probe into the case and urged the police to take stringent action against Prateek.
Speaking to daijiworld, Venkappa Kotian said, "Prateek Kotian has exorted lacs of rupees by blackmailing and threatening people. Earlier in April 2016, he spread rumours that I had smuggled a cow and reported it in a daily. I was eagerly waiting for the chance to expose all his wrongdoings. This time I got solid proof of him threatening and demanding money from the driver."
He also alleged that some local journalists have been demanding compromise in the issue and withdrawal of the case filed against Prateek. "If police fail to take action against Prateek, I will approach the police commissioner demanding further action," said Venkappa Kotian.
Meanwhile, some of the supporters of Prateek have said that he was being framed.