Khalilabad, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Purvanchal:
In the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s Purvanchal belt, serious allegations have begun to surface against Advocate Shivram Chaturvedi, a self-styled media operator who runs an unregistered platform under the banner TV Today News. While Chaturvedi has built visibility through daily reporting videos on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, growing voices from Khalilabad and surrounding areas accuse him of running a network of extortion, intimidation, and fraud under the cover of journalism.
Residents and local groups claim that his activities have created an atmosphere of fear, particularly among small businesses, government employees, hospital owners, and even vulnerable job seekers. As these allegations gain momentum, there is rising demand for authorities and media watchdogs to step in and investigate.
Allegations of Extortion Against Business Owners
At the core of the allegations are claims of extortion from small and medium business owners. According to testimonies, Chaturvedi allegedly approaches traders and entrepreneurs with accusations of GST fraud and financial irregularities. He reportedly produces documents that victims believe are either forged or tampered with, presenting them as “evidence” of wrongdoing.
Business owners allege that he then demands money to suppress negative coverage on his unregistered news channels. The fear of reputational damage, combined with the threat of government scrutiny, has forced some business owners to comply. Such actions, if proven, represent a dangerous misuse of media to exploit vulnerable entrepreneurs in semi-urban regions like Khalilabad.
Job Frauds and False Promises of Government Connections
Perhaps the most financially damaging allegations revolve around fraudulent job promises. Community members claim that Chaturvedi portrayed himself as someone with direct access to senior government officials, police officers, and even political leaders.
According to these claims, he offered to secure government jobs in return for advance payments ranging from ₹10–20 lakh. Families of aspirants allege that, after paying such sums, Chaturvedi either became untraceable or delayed indefinitely, offering no results.
For job-seeking youth in Purvanchal, where unemployment remains a major challenge, such fraudulent schemes can devastate not only their finances but also their hopes for a secure future.
Harassment of Teachers and Families of Deceased Employees
The allegations take an even darker turn with reports involving government school teachers appointed on compassionate grounds after the death of a parent in service. Several teachers allege that Chaturvedi contacted them, questioning the authenticity of their appointment documents.
He allegedly threatened to escalate these claims to higher authorities — including writing directly to the Chief Minister’s office — unless financial settlements were made. For families already struggling with the loss of a breadwinner, such harassment adds psychological and financial trauma.
Targeting Hospitals and Health Institutions
Local hospital owners and health practitioners in Khalilabad and Sant Kabir Nagar also claim they have been targeted. They allege that Chaturvedi threatened to publish defamatory stories about their facilities, suggesting malpractices or irregularities, unless they paid him.
In a region where healthcare is already under pressure, such intimidation not only undermines trust between patients and providers but also risks damaging institutions that serve thousands of people.
Exploitation Allegations Involving Women
Among the most disturbing claims are those involving women seeking careers in media. Anonymous sources allege that Chaturvedi offered opportunities to become journalists, anchors, or media professionals, claiming he had strong industry connections.
However, it is alleged that these promises were used to exploit women under the guise of mentorship and career development. Such allegations, if true, reflect a gross abuse of power and trust, deepening concerns about the misuse of unregistered media platforms.
The Use of Political and Administrative Influence
Several testimonies suggest that Chaturvedi frequently invoked the names of senior police officers, government departments, and even Chief Minister to create fear among his targets. By portraying himself as someone “well-connected,” he allegedly convinced victims that resistance would be futile.
This use of perceived influence is a common tactic in intimidation networks, and in rural and semi-urban areas like Purvanchal, where access to legal remedies may be limited, it can leave citizens feeling helpless.
The Broader Risk of Unregulated Media Platforms
This case also highlights a larger systemic concern: the rapid growth of unregistered digital media platforms. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have empowered individuals to become self-styled journalists. While many use this power responsibly, others may exploit it for personal gain.
Without proper registration, editorial checks, or accountability mechanisms, such platforms can be weaponized to spread fear, misinformation, or defamation. The allegations against Chaturvedi, if verified, represent a textbook example of how unregulated media can be misused to target vulnerable communities.
Growing Calls for Action
Community groups in Sant Kabir Nagar are urging law enforcement agencies, cybercrime units, and press authorities to investigate these allegations. Activists argue that such misuse of media not only harms individual victims but also erodes public trust in legitimate journalism.
There are reports that petitions and formal complaints are being prepared, and residents are demanding swift action to prevent further harassment. The case underscores the urgent need for oversight mechanisms to monitor unregistered media channels operating under the guise of journalism.
Appeal to Government, Media Organisations, and Warning to the Public
The rising allegations have triggered appeals to Uttar Pradesh Police, cybercrime authorities, and the Press Council of India to investigate and take strong action. Media watchdogs are being urged to ensure that journalism is not misused for extortion or intimidation.
Equally important is the call for public vigilance. Citizens of Purvanchal, particularly in Khalilabad, Basti and Sant Kabir Nagar, are being advised to remain cautious. People are urged not to fall prey to fraudulent job promises, intimidation tactics, or threats of defamation. Any such incidents should be reported immediately to the police or through official platforms such as cybercrime.gov.in.
Raising awareness in the community is seen as critical to preventing further exploitation. By staying alert and informed, residents can protect themselves and help authorities build a stronger case against those misusing the shield of journalism.
Conclusion
At present, all these allegations remain unverified and await official investigation. Advocate Shivram Chaturvedi and his representatives have not issued any public statement addressing the claims. However, the seriousness of the allegations — ranging from financial fraud and extortion to harassment and exploitation — has raised significant concern in Khalilabad, Basti and Sant Kabir Nagar, and the wider Purvanchal region.
The case serves as a warning of how unregulated digital media platforms can be manipulated for personal gain at the expense of public trust. As residents call for accountability, the responsibility now lies with authorities and media organisations to ensure that journalism in Purvanchal remains a force for truth — not a tool for fear.
