Amar Ujala journalist, Bharat 24 anchor held over ‘Rs 65 cr extortion bid’

Noida police have arrested Bharat 24 anchor Shazia Nisar and Amar Ujala digital wing anchor Adarsh Jha over three FIRs linked to alleged extortion, blackmail and intimidation. This came after top executives at the channel accused the duo of demanding Rs 65 crore with the threat of pressing fabricated rape charges, according to sources.

The FIRs came on the basis of complaints by the Bharat 24 managing director Jagdish Chandra, consulting editor Anita Hada, and HR head Anu Sridhar. More FIRs are likely to be filed on the basis of complaints by other staffers, sources at the channel said.

Police reportedly found Rs 34.5 lakh in cash during a search at Nisar’s residence. Both the anchors were subsequently produced before a court in Gautam Buddha Nagar who remanded them in 14 days of judicial custody. 

“The law of the land is taking its own course…she was fighting and threatening not just me but also a number of other senior colleagues, including editor Sayyed Umar, consulting editor Anita Hada, HR head Anu, and a few of the desk and assignment people…everyone was fed up of her,” Chandra told Newslaundry. 

The channel also sacked the anchor hours before the arrest.

Shazia Nisar earlier worked at Republic Bharat, where she was infamously known for her antics while covering the Russia-Ukraine war. 

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