Hyderabad: The Shamirpet Police of Cyberabad commissionerate have arrested two journalists and an associate for allegedly habitually misusing their "PRESS" identity to extort money from transporters and businessmen, with one victim driven to a suicide attempt.

The accused have been identified as Thirunarayanapuram Karthik and Bommerla Srikanth, both reporters with different Telugu dailies, and their associate, Kishan. A case has been registered against them under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including extortion, attempt to commit culpable homicide, assault, and criminal intimidation.

The police have arrested the accused and seized incriminating material, including a Brezza car (with a PRESS sticker), mobile phones, and extorted money. The accused confessed to their crimes.

According to the Shamirpet police, the investigation was launched based on a complaint from Chagarla Shiva Kumar (24), a young businessman from Siddipet. The ordeal began approximately four months ago when the accused, travelling in a car adorned with a PRESS sticker, intercepted Shiva Kumar's lorry at Anantharam. They threatened and abused his driver, initially demanding Rs 60,000 and finally extorting Rs 30,000.

The harassment did not stop. On March 18, 2025, the same trio again stopped Shiva Kumar's vehicle, abused the driver, and forcibly collected Rs 18,000 through multiple PhonePe transfers. In a vindictive move, they then orchestrated the seizure of the complainant's lorry by forest officials, causing him a significant financial loss.

Victim pushed to the brink

Unable to bear the relentless harassment and financial strain, a desperate Shiva Kumar attempted to end his life on June 15, 2025, by consuming pesticide at his residence. He was hospitalised for a month and later resumed his business under severe financial distress.

Tragically, his nightmare resumed on August 29, 2025. While transporting soil with a farmer's permission, his lorry was again intercepted by the accused near Narayanapur School. They abused him and his driver, demanded Rs 20,000, and threatened to kill him by running him over and filing false cases. The accused also assaulted the driver, forcibly took the lorry keys, and snatched Shiva Kumar's mobile phone.

The Shamirpet police revealed that the accused habitually projected themselves as journalists to create fear among farmers, transporters, builders, and businessmen. They would threaten that their vehicles would be seized by the police or revenue officials unless a ransom was paid. Their actions not only disturbed public peace but also brought disrepute to the legitimate press, which plays a vital role in a democracy.

Public Appeal

Shamirpet Police caution the public not to succumb to such extortion in the name of “PRESS” and urge them to immediately inform the nearest police station if any such harassment occurs.