A sensational case of alleged financial fraud carried out in the name of journalism has come to light, raising serious concerns over misuse of media identity and betrayal of public trust.
Along with allegations of financial cheating, the incident has also exposed an emotional betrayal involving a grieving mother who lost her son. A written complaint has now been lodged at the police station against Agartala based self-proclaimed journalist Nivedita Chakraborty and her husband Ram Chakraborty on charges of alleged financial fraud.
The controversy is linked to the recent sensational murder case of Ashis Das in the Surma Assembly constituency under Kamalpur subdivision of Dhalai district. Investigation and judicial proceedings in the murder case are currently underway.
According to allegations, at a time when Ashis Das’s mother Anguribala Das was devastated by the loss of her son, Nivedita Chakraborty, who allegedly identified herself as a journalist associated with the Facebook channel “Rashtriya Samachar,” along with her husband Ram Chakraborty, approached the bereaved family. They allegedly assured the mother that they would help ensure strict punishment for the accused involved in her son’s murder.
The complainant alleged that the couple demanded Rs 1 lakh in exchange for arranging justice and ensuring legal action against the killers. Hoping for justice for her deceased son, Anguribala Das reportedly handed over Rs 4,000 in cash initially, followed by online payments amounting to Rs 71,000 in three separate transactions.
Later, when the grieving mother repeatedly contacted the accused regarding progress in the case, she allegedly received vague assurances and excuses from the couple. Eventually realising that she may have fallen victim to fraud, Anguribala Das submitted a written complaint to the police along with transaction records and supporting documents.
She has demanded strict legal action against the accused and urged the authorities to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible for her son’s murder.
The incident has also triggered wider questions over the credibility of journalism and the misuse of media platforms by alleged imposters posing as journalists. Concerns are being raised about whether such incidents are damaging the reputation and public trust associated with genuine media organisations.
In a public appeal slain Ashis Das’s mother, demands have also been made to the Chief Minister of Dr Manik Saha to ensure immediate arrest of the accused and bring them under the purview of law.