Vinod Verma’s Arrest: What We Know, What We Don’t

Why has journalist Vinod Verma’s arrest made headlines?

Journalist Vinod Verma was arrested from his Indirapuram residence in Ghaziabad early on 27 October, on charges of extortion and blackmail. Why was the journalist arrested? What is the basis of charges against him? Why has his arrest made headlines?

Here's all that we know about Verma's arrest, and all that we don’t.

Who Is Vinod Verma?

Vinod Verma is a freelance journalist who has worked with the BBC's Hindi Service. Formerly employed as a Digital Editor with Amar Ujala, Verma is a member of the Editors Guild. He was a part of the Guild’s fact-finding team, that looked into the ‘intimidation of journalists in Chhattisgarh’.

Why Is He in News?

He was arrested on 27 October, Friday, from his Indirapuram residence in Ghaziabad by Chhattisgarh police on charges of extortion and blackmail.

What We Know So Far

• Verma claimed he possessed a sex tape that involved Chhattisgarh PWD minister, Rajesh Munat.
• He alleged that the government was "not happy" with this.
• Verma was reportedly arrested based on a complaint filed by an aide to a Chhattisgarh minister.
• According to the police, the CD's content violates section 67 of the IT Act.
• Police claim that they have seized 3,000 CDs and a pen drive from his residence.
• The police also raided a Delhi shop where over 1,000 copies of the tape were found. The shop owner allegedly named Verma as the person who authorised the copies.
• Verma was produced in court on 27 October.

What We Do Not Know

• The content of the alleged "sex tape".
• Whether Rajesh Munat features in the tape.
• The police said the CD's content violates Section 67 of the IT Act, but we do not know what makes it controversial.
• Who shot the video and how did it fall into Verma's hands?
• If the shopkeeper's allegations are true, why did Verma order 1,000 copies of the tape?
• Was Verma making extortion calls? If yes, what was his motive?

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