Row over list linking journalists to corruption, Madhya Pradesh police begin probe

Complaint alleges journalists have been linked to accusations of illegal collection and corruption with the state's Transport Department; Congress, BJP spar over development

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Posting on X, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha asked the state police to investigate the list, which was a "direct attack on the honour and prestige of the police”. (File Photo)

After a list containing names of journalists in Bhopal and linking them with corruption went viral, an FIR has been registered by the Crime Branch of the Madhya Pradesh police.

The FIR was registered based on a complaint by four journalists, who alleged that “by spreading this fabricated fake list, an attempt is being made to tarnish the reputation and image” of journalists in the state.

DCP Akhil Patel told The Indian Express, “The FIR was registered under sections (of forgery and defamation) of the BNS at the Crime Branch unit of Bhopal urban district on Monday. We will begin the investigation and question the people who made the list go viral.”

One of the complainants, Rizwan Ahmad Siddiqui, founder and group editor of Digiana Media Group, told The Indian Express, “We have submitted the names of some persons who made the list viral along with their social media handles. We want the police to question them to ascertain the source.”

According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that a list which includes names of journalists has “gone viral on social media, with accusations of illegal collection and corruption with the Transport Department being linked to them”.

“By spreading this fabricated fake list, an attempt is being made to tarnish the reputation and image of myself and other journalists,” the complaint states.

Posting on X, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha asked the state police to investigate the list, which was a “direct attack on the honour and prestige of the police”.

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“MP is strange and amazing. A four-page list of journalists of the state is viral. It is said that this is the list of monthly payments made by the Transport Department. Like the 1996 ‘hawala scandal’ list, it has all the names, big and small. I am not convinced about its authenticity. They say it is the result of BJP’s internal contradictions, it is the work of (CM) Mohan Yadav’s opponents. Its outcome is very dangerous. A direct attack on the respect and reputation of journalist brothers. People will be deeply hurt. The DGP and police department should take note of this and bring out the truth.”

The post saw a response by the state’s Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel, who wrote, “It is your and the Congress’s perspective that is mocking Madhya Pradesh and is intent on insulting journalists. It’s not right to stoop so low for the opposition.”

Anand Mohan J

Anand Mohan J is an award-winning Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, currently leading the bureau’s coverage of Madhya Pradesh. With a career spanning over eight years, he has established himself as a trusted voice at the intersection of law, internal security, and public policy. Based in Bhopal, Anand is widely recognized for his authoritative reporting on Maoist insurgency in Central India. In late 2025, he provided exclusive, ground-level coverage of the historic surrender of the final Maoist cadres in Madhya Pradesh, detailing the backchannel negotiations and the "vacuum of command" that led to the state being declared Maoist-free. Expertise and Reporting Beats Anand’s investigative work is characterized by a "Journalism of Courage" approach, holding institutions accountable through deep-dive analysis of several key sectors: National Security & Counter-Insurgency: He is a primary chronicler of the decline of Naxalism in the Central Indian corridor, documenting the tactical shifts of security forces and the rehabilitation of surrendered cadres. Judiciary & Legal Accountability: Drawing on over four years of experience covering Delhi’s trial courts and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Anand deconstructs complex legal rulings. He has exposed critical institutional lapses, including custodial safety violations and the misuse of the National Security Act (NSA). Wildlife Conservation (Project Cheetah): Anand is a leading reporter on Project Cheetah at Kuno National Park. He has provided extensive coverage of the biological and administrative hurdles of rewilding Namibian and South African cheetahs, as well as high-profile cases of wildlife trafficking. Public Health & Social Safety: His recent investigative work has uncovered systemic negligence in public services, such as contaminated blood transfusions causing HIV infections in thalassemia patients and the human cost of the fertilizer crisis affecting rural farmers. Professional Background Tenure: Joined The Indian Express in 2017. Locations: Transitioned from the high-pressure Delhi City beat (covering courts, police, and labor issues) to his current role as a regional lead in Madhya Pradesh. Notable Investigations: * Exposed the "digital arrest" scams targeting entrepreneurs. Investigated the Bandhavgarh elephant deaths and the impact of kodo millet fungus on local wildlife. Documented the transition of power and welfare schemes (like Ladli Behna) in Madhya Pradesh governance. Digital & Professional Presence Author Profile: Anand Mohan J at Indian Express Twitter handle: @mohanreports ... Read More

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