The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested a self-proclaimed journalist on charges of rape, blackmail and extortion.

The police have also set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case.

Nadeem Ahmed Gani alias Nadeem Nadu of Anantnag district was arrested on Friday after a complaint from a girl (name withheld) that he lured her through his WhatsApp group and forced her into a sexual relationship.

“The victim also alleged that the accused took her objectionable pictures after sedating her and used these to blackmail her into having sex many times. The accused also took away gold ornaments by blackmailing her,” a police officer said.

The victim was a student in an institution in Kashmir when the crime took place, the police said.

“Investigation is going on to unearth more facts in this case,” a police spokesman said.

A local news gathering agency with whom Nadu was working has suspended him.

“Pending investigations into the case, the organization hereby suspends him from the membership,” the Editor of GNS said in a statement.

“Our organization would like to put on record that we or any of our associates do not support or condone or justify any crime or any criminal act or any such behaviour which is illegal or immoral, in particular against women,” it said.