SONAMURA: A youth posing as a journalist was detained by local residents in the Tamshabari area of Sonamura on charges of trespassing into a bakery factory and attempting to extort money from its owner.
The accused, identified as Mafiz Mia of Rangamati, allegedly entered the factory in the owner’s absence, introduced himself as a journalist, and began filming with his mobile phone, telling employees that the premises were unhygienic and demanding to meet the owner.
When the owner contacted him, Mafiz reportedly agreed to a meeting to “settle the matter.” As he arrived at the spot, local residents, who had gathered after learning of the incident, questioned him about his press credentials and the authorisation for his entry into the factory. Unable to produce any identification or satisfactory answers, he was detained on the spot and handed over to Sonamura police.
Police confirmed that he had no valid press identity card and took him into custody for further questioning.
The factory owner maintained that his unit follows proper hygiene standards and has received no complaints from the food department, suggesting the visit may have been an attempt at extortion.
Residents urged swift action against individuals falsely posing as journalists, saying such incidents damage public trust in the media.