Vinod Verma Trial: CBI Registers Two Separate FIRs

Verma was arrested in connection with a sleaze CD case allegedly involving a Chhattisgarh minister.

Vinod Verma’s judicial custody ends on 27 November.

(Photo: Facebook/Vinod Verma)

The CBI on Wednesday registered two separate cases in terms of the alleged possession and circulation of a fake pornographic video involving Chhatisgarh PWD Minister Rajesh Munat, by senior journalist Vinod Verma. These also carry allegations of possible ransom.

CBI took over the investigation of the said cases (which were earlier registered by Chattisgarh Police) on the request of the state government and further notification from the Government of India.

Senior journalist Vinod Verma was produced in a Raipur court on Monday, 27 November, as his judicial remand ended. The former BBC journalist was arrested in connection with a sleaze CD case allegedly involving a Chhattisgarh minister.

The Raipur court had on 13 November extended his judicial remand till Monday. Earlier, the Judicial Magistrate first class and a session's court had rejected his bail plea. Verma was arrested by the Chhattisgarh Police over a case of alleged blackmailing and extortion.

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 had him arrested.

Bail Plea in High Court, CBI Expected to Ask For Custody

Even as Verma is expected to be produced in a Raipur court on Monday, a separate bail plea has been filed in the Bilaspur High Court, the hearing of which is expected to take place on 10 December, sources told The Quint.

Close to three weeks after Chhattisgarh Police arrested Verma, the CBI took over the case on 16 November on the recommendation of the state government. In an FIR lodged by Chhattisgarh PWD Minister Rajesh Munat, he 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.

Alongside the high court hearing on the bail plea, the CBI is expected to seek Verma’s custody to take forward their investigation.

Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Meets Verma

Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupesh Baghel met Verma in jail on Saturday, 25 November. Baghel was accompanied by a few more Congress leaders. However, what the meeting was about or what was discussed is still shrouded in mystery.

On the same day, state Congress general secretary Shailesh Nitin Trivedi alleged that Verma’s arrest was part of a political vendetta and that the “police planted CDs at his home in Ghaziabad”.

Trivedi supported his allegations by asserting that there is CCTV footage to prove how a person carried a box to his house just before his arrest.

Son Files Separate Report Against Chhattisgarh Cops

Meanwhile, Vinod Verma’s son, Punarvasu Verma, has filed a complaint in Ghaziabad against Chhattisgarh police for “manipulating” and “tampering” evidence.

Citing gaps in how the entry records of his Ghaziabad residents were taken, Punarvasu has alleged that the entry register of 24 October was taken away by “unknown persons.”

The Indian Express, which has a copy of the complaint, quotes it as:

“The entry register of 24th October 2017 has been taken away by unknown persons. 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.”