Independent journalist in Punjab arrested in alleged extortion case

A suspended assistant inspector general of police was also arrested in connection with the case registered last month. “We have arrested Malwinder Singh Sidhu and the investigation is on,” a senior police officer told The Indian Express.

Taggar was arrested in connection with a First Information Report registered at Phase-1 police station for extortion, criminal conspiracy, and wrongful restraint on March 20.

Meanwhile, Taggar’s aide Satnam Daun told The Indian Express that the allegations were baseless and the arrest was made to harass Taggar as he was speaking against scams.

“It is sheer use of force, we will rally behind Taggar,” Daun said.

“Taggar was called to join the investigation in another extortion case which was registered at Phase-8 police station. But the court ordered the police to give one week prior notice to Taggar before arresting him,” Daun said.

Chandigarh Press Club has condemned the arrest of journalist Rajinder Singh Taggar (from channel ‘Punjab Dastavez’). Secretary general of the club Umesh Sharma said, “This amounts to censorship of the media and the Election Commission of India should look into this matter. We also request the DGP Punjab Police to look into this matter and a fair investigation should be done in this issue.”