CBI will quiz Chhattisgarh scribe in sex CD row

New Delhi: The CBI, investigating the alleged circulation of a ‘fake sex CD’ reportedly involving a Chhattisgarh minister, will soon record the statement of Raipur-based journalist, Vinod Verma, in connection with the case.

The agency, sources said, will soon issue summons to Verma, who was recently released on bail. The sources said, “The CBI has so far examined around 25 persons in connection with the case. Now, the agency sleuths are preparing to record the statement of Verma”.

Verma, arrested on charges of blackmailing a senior minister in Raman Singh government on October 27, was recently granted bail by the special CBI court in Raipur in Chhattisgarh.

He faced charges of trying to extort money from Chhattisgarh PWD minister Rajesh Mrunat by using a CD that allegedly had a sexually explicit content.

He was granted bail as the investigating agency failed to produce chargesheet against him within 60 days of his arrest. He dismissed charges of trying to blackmail the Chhattisgarh minister claiming that he produced his three cell phone numbers and one landline number to the police to check the call records.

“But, the police could not establish that I have ever made any call to blackmail the minister or demand money from him”, he had said.

Mr Mrunat had earlier filed FIR against Mr Verma and Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupesh Baghel accusing them of circulating fake CDs to tarnish his image.

The Chhattisgarh government had constituted a special task force to probe the matter. However, it was later handed over to CBI to probe.

The CBI registered two separate cases in terms of the alleged possession and circulation of a fake CD by Verma. These also carry allegations of possible ransom. The CBI took over the investigation of the cases on the request of the state government and further notification from the Government of India.