Archive · 1 Jan 2026
Bengaluru Journalist Arrested for Extortion Attempt
A man named Sharath Sharma Kalagaru, who works as a journalist, was arrested in Bengaluru.
He tried to get money from three police officers by saying he had proof they were working with drug dealers.
He asked for ₹5 lakh from each officer and said he would tell the news if they didn't pay.
The police recorded their calls and messages, which helped them build a case against him.
Sharath also has strong opinions about politics, saying he thinks Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister.
He was taken to court and will stay in police custody for two days.
The police also took action against the owner and a reporter of a news channel called BTV Kannada.
Sharath Sharma Kalagaru, a 35-year-old journalist, was arrested for attempting to extort ₹15 lakh from three police inspectors in Bengaluru.
He threatened the officers by claiming he had proof they were involved with drug dealers.
The extortion attempt followed a major drug bust in Karnataka involving multiple police agencies.
The three inspectors were later suspended for not gathering enough information about drug networks.
Sharath's political views, including his belief that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister, were noted in the case.
The police used recorded WhatsApp calls and messages as evidence to file an FIR under Section 308 (6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Who
- Sharath Sharma Kalagaru, a 35-year-old journalist
- What
- Attempted to extort ₹15 lakh from three police inspectors
- When
- Arrested on 29th December, court appearance on 30th December
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Why
- Accused of threatening police officers with false allegations of drug dealing
- Name
- Sharath Sharma Kalagaru
- Age
- 35
- Occupation
- Journalist
- Extortion Amount
- ₹15 lakh
- Arrest Date
- 29th December
- Charges Filed Under
- Section 308 (6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Custody Duration
- 2 days
