Who Is Tushar Kharat? Editor Of YouTube Channel Lay Bhari Arrested For ‘Derogatory’ Comments Against Minister Jaykumar Gore’s Aide; Also Booked For Extortion Attempt

A day after Satara Police arrested Tushar Kharat, a journalist with a local news channel, NCP MP Supriya Sule on Tuesday took to X and sought his release.

Kharat was held for allegedly making derogatory remarks against an aide of Maharashtra Minister Jaykumar Gore and was also booked in a case of attempting to extort Rs 5 crore from the minister.

Meanwhile NCP MP Rohit Pawar also announced his support for Kharat.

What is the matter?

According to a report by PTI, Kharat was arrested for reportedly making disparaging statements about an assistant of Maharashtra Minister Jaykumar Gore. The journalist was also charged with attempting to extort Rs 5 crore from the minister.

For context, Gore moved a breach of privilege motion against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar, and a YouTube channel for allegations that he harassed a woman and allegedly sent her inappropriate photos. The accusations have been denied by the state minister of rural development. Gore has accused Tushar Kharat, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut of defaming him in the breach of privilege notices filed last week.

“BJP’s social media co-ordinator and Gore’s aide Shekhar Patole lodged a complaint alleging that Kharat used casteist comments against Patole, issued death threats, and also took away a hard disk from him,” an official from the Waduj police station in Satara said.

“Kharat had also allegedly uploaded defamatory content against the complainant on his YouTube channel,” the official added.

According to the police, Gore in his complaint stated that Kharat uploaded defamatory content against him on his news channel related to the 2016 case and threatened that he would “fabricate” more such cases with the help of two or three women, seeking Rs 5 crore to settle the issue.

Who is Tushar Kharat?

Kharat is the MD and Chief Editor of Lay Bhari Media Private Limited. He completed his BA from Mumbai University and has previously worked with Prahaar and Sakal.”