Chhattisgarh sex CD row: CBI steps up probe

RAIPUR: After registering two FIRs including one naming

Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress

President Bhupesh Baghel, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun probe and is understood to have drawn up a list of suspects who would be questioned soon.

Taking up the investigation, the CBI had registered two separate FIRs—one against unknown persons on the charges of extortion and intimidation and another under the Information Technology (IT) Act naming state Congress president Bhupesh Baghel and senior journalist Vinod Verma. The first FIR against unknown persons is on the basis of a complaint lodged by Prakash Bajaj, who had claimed that an unknown person had called him up on landline, threatening to expose a CD of his “aaka” if they don’t pay up.

Another FIR under the 67(A) of IT Act is on the complaint lodged by PWD Minister

Rajesh Munat

in which he has named PCC chief Bhupesh Baghel and Vinod Verma. The minister had lodged the complaint after A Sex CD, purportedly showing the minister, went viral.

CBI deputy superintendent of police

S S Rawat

and DSP Richpal had discussion with the state police officials who initially investigated the case and took possession of case diaries and other evidences collected by them, sources said adding that the central investigating agency is drawing up a list of possible suspects so that they can be questioned soon.

Besides, there are indications that CBI may move the court seeking custody of arrested journalist Vinod Verma for his interrogation.

After sex CD scandal rocked the state, the Raman Singh government recommended handing over its probe to the CBI on the ground that the case needs a detailed investigation by a central agency.

After his arrest in connection with the sleaze CD case, Vinod Verma is at present in judicial custody. Two lower courts have rejected his bail plea and subsequently he moved the high court, which is now hearing his bail application.