Kashmir journalist held for ‘extortion, defamation’

The police in Srinagar said that an FIR under sections 120-B, 177,386 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered

Police on Friday arrested a journalist, Majid Hyderi, for “intimidation, extortion and defamation.” Police said that Hyderi has been booked on the order of judicial magistrate after filing an FIR in Sadder police station.

Hyderi, a TV debater and analyst, has worked with various publications in J&K and appears in debates on national television (iStock)

Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference condemned the arrest.

The police in Srinagar said that an FIR under sections 120-B, 177,386 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered.

Hyderi, a TV debater and analyst, has worked with various publications in J&K and appears in debates on national television.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti alleged that Hyderi was arrested in a night raid ignoring the legal process.

“Majid Hyderi’s arrest late last night has exposed the nexus between conmen and certain intelligence agencies. He was dragged from his home like a wanted terrorist without following any legalities. His mother and sister pleaded to see a warrant but this too was denied. This is how journalists who expose scams are accused of intimidation and defamation,” said Mufti on micro-blogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.