Bhubaneswar: On charges of extortion, criminal intimidation and defamation involving the Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University, the Commissionerate Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, today arrested a journalist in Bhubaneswar.

According to police sources, Sahid Nagar Police arrested Susant Kumar Sahoo, News Editor-cum-Owner of Sahara Times newspaper, following a complaint lodged by the Coordinator of the Media Cell of Utkal University.

Based on the complaint, Sahid Nagar Police registered Case No. 391 dated July 27, 2026, under Sections 296, 351(2), 351(3), 308(3), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Sahoo was arrested during the course of the investigation and later produced before the court.

Police said the investigation revealed Sahoo had approached Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda seeking the release of official advertisements in favour of his newspaper. After being informed advertisements could only be issued as per the prescribed procedure, he allegedly made repeated calls and threatened to publish defamatory reports if the advertisements were not granted.

Police further alleged Sahoo later published a false and defamatory report against the Vice-Chancellor in Sahara Times on July 23, 2026, with the alleged intention of pressuring the university into releasing advertisements and damaging its reputation.

During the investigation, the Commissionerate Police seized relevant documents and electronic evidence. Further investigation into the matter is underway.