Crackdown urged on fake reporters misusing ‘Press’ stickers in Palampur

A YouTube blogger posing as a web reporter was arrested by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in Palampur yesterday while accepting a bribe of Rs 2 lakh from the head of a local educational institution. The arrest has sparked widespread concern over the misuse of Press and police vehicle stickers.

The Palampur Union of Journalists has demanded immediate action against individuals unlawfully using these stickers to evade police checks. Vehicles, including SUVs, often display unauthorised Press or police stickers on their windshields, making it difficult for authorities to differentiate between genuine and fake journalists.

A few years ago, a similar crackdown was carried out in Kangra district, where many drivers failed to present valid authorization for such stickers. In some cases, even relatives of journalists and policemen were caught misusing them. Recently, traffic police have issued challans to several individuals for displaying Press, VIP, or anti-corruption stickers and for using tinted windows in violation of traffic rules.

Sanjiv Baghla, president of the Palampur Union of Journalists, said many fake reporters are tarnishing the reputation of the media by indulging in illegal activities. He assured full cooperation with police efforts and urged media houses to issue proper press cards to their reporters.

A senior police officer emphasised that journalist unions must share lists of authorised reporters with law enforcement to help curb this menace. He called for strict action against offenders, stating that misuse of such privileges must be dealt with firmly.