In a decisive move against alleged media malpractice, Commissionerate Police have arrested Susant Kumar Sahoo (41), the News Editor-cum-Owner of the newspaper *Sahara Times*, on charges of extortion, criminal intimidation, and defamation.
The arrest stems from Sahid Nagar P.S. Case No. 391, registered on 27 July 2026 under Sections 296, 351(2), 351(3), 308(3), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case was filed based on a formal complaint by the Coordinator of the Media Cell at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar.
According to the investigation, Sahoo allegedly approached the Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University seeking official advertisements for his newspaper. When informed that advertisements could only be released through the prescribed official procedure, he is accused of making repeated calls and issuing threats to publish defamatory content if the ads were not granted.
Police further allege that, with the malicious intent of extortion, Sahoo published a false and defamatory news report against the Vice-Chancellor in *Sahara Times* on 23 July 2026. The report was reportedly aimed at coercing the university into releasing advertisements while also seeking to damage her reputation.
During the probe, officers seized relevant documents and electronic evidence. Following due legal process, Sahoo was arrested on 28 July 2026, produced before the court and granted bail. Investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
