Rajahmundry: A 25-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly posing as a journalist and extorting money from government officials, businessmen and others in Amlapuram town, around 70 km from Rajahmundry.
The accused, identified as Ganagavarapu Satyaprasad, belongs to Bhimanapalli village in Uppalaguptam mandalam of East Godavari district, police said.
"Satyaprasad has a criminal history and has committed several thefts in the past," P Srinivas, circle inspector of Amalapuram police station said.
"Recently, he changed his modus operandi and started posing as a journalist. He had even pasted 'Press' sticker on his vehicle, although he does not work for any newspaper or any other publication," he said.
The accused approached several government officials, businessmen, political leaders and contractors and allegedly demanded money from them.
"He threatened them that if they did not pay money, he would publish news against them. A number of businessman, officials, and contractors fell prey to his tactics," Srinivas added.
Following complaints against the accused, police arrested him last night in Amlapuram and registered a case against him.
Further investigation into the case is on.