CBI to take over probe in Chhattisgarh ‘sex CD’ case

The BJP-led state government had accused the opposition Congress of hatching a conspiracy.

Updated on: Nov 16, 2017, 22:41:07 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over investigation of the alleged extortion case involving senior journalist Vinod Verma, a Chhattisgarh police officer privy to the development said on Thursday.

Journalist Vinod Verma was arrested by the Chhattisgarh Police in October for suspected blackmail and extortion related to a ‘sex CD’. (PTI File Photo)

Chhattisgarh police arrested former BBC journalist Verma on October 27 for allegedly trying to blackmail state public works department minister, Rajesh Munat, with a ‘sex CD’.

Munat has described the ‘sex CD’, purportedly involving him, as “fake” and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

After Verma was arrested from his home in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district, the opposition accused the Chhattisgarh government of framing him in a false case.

Subsequently, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government announced it wanted the CBI to investigate the case. The CBI intimated the state government on Wednesday it was taking over the case.

Police have registered two related FIRs in the case, the first against Verma and the other against him and his brother-in-law, Bhupesh Baghel, who is the Chhattisgarh Congress chief.

Police registered the FIR against Baghel on Munat’s complaint soon after the Congress leader said he too had a copy of the ‘sex CD’ and was verifying it.

“Raipur police will hand over the case dairies and investigation to the CBI,” said a senior police officer of Chhattisgarh who did not want to be named.

Verma, who maintains he has been framed, is in judicial custody till November 27.

Baghel has demanded a probe under the supervision a Supreme Court judge.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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