Mohak Mangal, a YouTuber and public educator, has published a video that is both highly personal and compelling. In this video, he describes how ANI, a renowned Indian news agency, sought to extort him for a sum of up to ₹50 lakhs. This video is considered to be one of the most shocking exposés on media malpractices in India. Not only does the tale revolve around the misuse of copyright, but it also discusses bullying, unethical journalism, and the manner in which India’s most prominent creators are being attacked and suppressed.
The public statement and video that Mohak Mangal released will serve as the sole basis for this story. In addition to praising his bravery and openness, it provides an in-depth analysis of the unethical actions taken by ANI, particularly with regard to the editorship of Smita Prakash, whose name has become a taint on the principles of honest journalism.
The History of Mohak’s Family and Why It Is Important to Him
In the beginning of his story, Mohak provides us with a glance into the history of his family. In the year 1992, his father was the proprietor of a stockbroking company that went bankrupt as a result of the infamous Harshad Mehta scam. The situation was so dire that his parents had no choice but to go door to door and beg for what was rightfully theirs. It was a period associated with adversity and shame.
This history is significant since it played a role in shaping Mohak’s determination. His mother and father fought for thirty years in order to ensure that he would not be required to bow down to anyone. Currently, the same spirit is what motivates him to refuse to pay the extortion price demanded by ANI.
What has taken place?
Mohak was subjected to a copyright strike on one of his Videos on the 20th of May, which was connected to a rape case that occurred in Kolkata. ANI was the one who initiated the strike since they only used 11 seconds of their material in a Video that was 16 minutes long. His staff was of the opinion that this definitely fell within the parameters of fair use, which is a principle that is widely recognized all over the world and permits the restricted use of copyrighted material for the purposes of criticism or teaching.
It’s not just Mohak Mangal who has come forward. Another YouTuber named Satya has also posted a public video, exposing how ANI, under the leadership of Smita Prakash, tried to extort him as well. According to Satya, he received two copyright strikes from ANI for using a few seconds of footage in his videos. Soon after, he was contacted and told that unless he paid ₹18 lakhs, his YouTube channel would be permanently deleted. This isn’t a coincidence—this is a coordinated pattern of intimidation and digital extortion.
Copyright justice was not something that ANI was interested in, however. Instead of requesting video revenue or reasonable attribution, the representatives of ANI demanded 42 lakhs of rupees in addition to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and they threatened to erase his entire channel.
Threats of extortion are elevated to the status of copyright strikes.
It was not just Mohak’s situation that occurred. Soon enough, he learned that other creators had been subjected to threats of a similar nature. In order to get the strikes removed, a creator who had already lost their channel was requested to pay a sum of ₹22 lakhs in addition to the Value-Added Tax (GST). It has been reported that another significant creator paid ₹50 lakhs.
The amount of copyright violations that ANI has filed against Mohak’s station is eight in total. In accordance with YouTube’s policy, a channel might be permanently deleted if it receives three complaints over its copyright. In order to gain leverage, ANI was aware of this fact.
The members of Mohak’s team were informed that his channel would be deleted if they did not pay the ransom, which they referred to as the “subscription.”
ANI’s “Business Model”: Extortion while Disguising Itself as a Business
The proposition that ANI made was more than just a threat. It was presented to the public as a “business deal.” If Mohak were to purchase a subscription for a period of one year, the cost would be ₹30 lakhs, while for a period of two years, the cost would be ₹40 lakhs. It was asserted by them that every strike was subject to a penalty of ₹5 lakhs. Eight strikes equals forty lakhs of rupees.
Or, to put it in their own terms, “You can either pay a penalty of forty lakhs or purchase a subscription that is worth the same amount.”
Journalism is not what this is. We are engaging in corporate hostage-taking here.
The person who is responsible for this poisonous culture is Smita Prakash, who is the face of ANI. Although it was discovered that other employees were responsible for delivering these threats, the responsibility for editing ultimately resides with her. A senior journalist and her organization should be ashamed of themselves for engaging in behavior of this nature.
Other creators were unable to be heard.
The revelation that Mohak made was that ANI has targeted creators regardless of their viewpoint. For the purpose of using a few seconds of film in recordings that were an hour long and thoroughly researched, individuals who had no cause to be concerned about copyright issues were rendered silent.
This has nothing to do with safeguarding material. In this context, dominating narratives and financially exploiting creators are terms that are used. Due to the fact that they were afraid, many of these creators paid ANI’s outrageous demands in silence. But Mohak did not agree.
We do not engage with kidnappers, according to the policies of the United States government, he stated unequivocally. In addition, that is my policy.
Mohak’s bravery and his unwavering demand for justice
Mohak has reiterated that he does not harbor any personal animosity toward ANI. They were not attacked by him. Indeed, he did not disrespect their staff members. He went so far as to ask his audience to refrain from engaging in personal assaults.
Instead, he went via the procedures of the existing institutions. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnav, received an official email from him in which he detailed everything and attached all of the proof that was required.
He urged other authors to follow his example and record all of their communications, including phone calls, emails, and communication with the government. When asked about it, he stated, “If we all send evidence, the ministry cannot ignore us.”
There is more to this than just a battle over his channel. It is a struggle for the freedom of digital expression in India.
What Is Something That Sets Mohak Mangal Apart?
There is more to Mohak than just another YouTuber. As a content developer, he is among the most intellectual individuals in India. His videos are a combination of rigorous research, journalistic discipline, and storytelling that is driven by public interest. Given that ANI, a national news organization, opted to target someone like him, it is clear that they are not confident in their own abilities.
The field of journalism in India would be in a far better place if there were more creators like Mohak and less journalists who are only interested in serving their own interests like Smita Prakash.
What Steps Should You Take Then?
Mohak asked all in attendance to take the following actions:
- Exit all of your subscriptions to ANI across all platforms. It is time to stop paying heed to media houses that are manipulating creators.
- Spread his video and message to as many people as possible without resorting to hatred or making personal attacks.
- Inspire other creators who have had the same issue to come out with evidence and encourage them to support their claims.
- Send an email to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting using the contacts that Mohak provided, and make sure that the government is aware of what is taking place. This does not pertain to a single video or a single producer. The future of independent content in India is the topic of discussion here.
The Closing Statement
This growing list of victims including prominent voices like Mohak Mangal and now Satya shows that the media ecosystem is under serious threat. If journalists like Smita Prakash are allowed to operate unchecked, journalism in India will no longer be about truth or accountability it will be about profit through pressure, and silence through fear.
With poise and authority, Mohak brought his video to a close. Please feel free to deactivate my channel. I am able to get banned from YouTube. Nevertheless, you are unable to erase my thoughts, my labor, or my bravery.
Rather than beginning with anger, this is how genuine change is initiated: with courage, clarity, and proactive community involvement.
Indian journalism has been thrown into disrepute as a result of the conduct of ANI and the leadership of Smita Prakash. We owe them an apology to the general public as well as the community of creators.
The general people ought to be aware of the following till then: this is what a media shakedown in the present day looks like.
Indeed, it is because of Mohak Mangal that we are now aware of the truth.
