Assam journalist arrested on charges of extortion in Nagaon

Nagaon Police have arrested Abdul Jalil Akand, a journalist associated with a web portal, following allegations of blackmail made by a contractor named Shahidul Islam.

Confirming the arrest, a police spokesperson stated, "Yes, we arrested journalist Abdul Jalil Akand based on a complaint lodged by a contractor regarding extortion. The complainant, Shahidul, claimed that Akand demanded ₹50,000 from him. Shahidul had undertaken a Public Works Department (PWD) contract, which reportedly had several irregularities. Akand, who operates a private web portal, allegedly sought payment to feature news highlighting these contract discrepancies on his platform."

The arrest was made under the provisions of Section 120B/387/507 of the Indian Penal Code, following an FIR filed by Shahidul Islam, which led to the registration of a case at the Nagaon police station under Section 384/24.

Abdul Jalil Akand faces accusations of blackmailing Shahidul Islam for monetary gain.