Journalist Vinod Verma Granted Bail by Special CBI Court

Vinod Verma is accused of possession and circulation of a fake pornographic video involving Minister Rajesh Munat

Vinod Verma, former BBC journalist.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/Vinod Verma)

The special CBI court has granted bail to senior jourbnalist Vinod Verma in the alleged Chhattisgarh extortion case.

The CBI on 13 December had registered two separate cases for alleged possession and circulation of a fake pornographic video involving Chhattisgarh PWD Minister Rajesh Munat, by senior journalist Vinod Verma. These also carry allegations of possible ransom.

CBI had taken over the investigation of the said cases, which were earlier registered by Chhattisgarh Police, on the request of the state government and further notification from the Government of India.

Earlier, the Judicial Magistrate first class and a Sessions court had rejected his bail plea. Verma was arrested by the Chhattisgarh Police in a case of alleged smuggling and blackmailing.

The journalist had alleged that he had in his possession a sex CD involving Chhattisgarh PWD Minister Rajesh Munat, which is why the reigning government forces had him arrested.

In an FIR lodged by Chhattisgarh PWD Minister Rajesh Munat, he had alleged violations of the IT Act by Verma and Congress state unit chief Bhupesh Baghel. In the days after Verma’s arrest, the Opposition had contended that the case against Verma was fabricated.

Vinod Verma’s son, Punarvasu Verma, had also filed a complaint in Ghaziabad against Chhattisgarh Police for “manipulating” and “tampering” evidence.

“ I would like to inform you that a false case is registered against my father and there are serious grievous conspiracies involved and these are being committed by the very highly placed (Chhattisgarh) politicians,” Punarvasu had alleged.

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