Digital journalist Moied Alam, from Jokihat in Bihar’s Araria district, has reportedly been sent to jail after raising the issue of fertiliser allegedly being sold for ₹400 despite its stated price being ₹266.
The case has taken another turn after businessman Piyush Aggarwal accused Alam of demanding ₹12 lakh in extortion money and threatening him. Aggarwal alleged that Alam visited his shop on October 12, recorded a video and circulated it on social media to damage his reputation.
According to a report published by Dainik Bhaskar, Aggarwal operates M/s Ganesh Trading, a seed and fertiliser business in Forbesganj. Alam is associated with Asifa Traders in the Jokihat-Mahalgaon area.
Businessman Alleges Extortion and Threats
According to the complaint, Alam visited Aggarwal’s shop on October 12 and sought information about the point-of-sale (POS) machine used for fertiliser sales.
Aggarwal alleged that Alam identified himself as a journalist, used abusive language and recorded a video of the establishment. He claimed that the video was subsequently circulated on social media with the intention of damaging his business’s reputation.
The businessman further alleged that Alam later returned to the shop and demanded ₹12 lakh, threatening to kill him if he failed to pay the amount.
Aggarwal also claimed that he feared being falsely implicated in a case and sought police protection, along with an impartial investigation into the allegations.
Police Register FIR, Begin Investigation
Forbesganj police station in-charge Manoj Kumar confirmed that an FIR had been registered on the basis of Aggarwal’s complaint.
According to the report, the police have begun investigating the matter and said further legal action would depend on the findings.
Controversy Follows Fertiliser Overpricing Allegations
Alam had reportedly drawn attention to allegations that fertiliser carrying a stated price of ₹266 was being sold for ₹400 in the Jokihat area, raising concerns about possible overpricing and black marketing.
His reported detention and imprisonment following the controversy have triggered discussions on social media, with several users expressing support for the journalist and calling for his release.
