CBI Court Reinstates Trial Against Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel in Fake Sleaze CD Case
A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Raipur has reversed a previous order that had discharged former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel from a high-profile 2017 fake sleaze CD case. The court's decision on Saturday means the senior Congress leader will now have to face trial unless he obtains relief from a higher court.
Background of the Controversial Case
The legal proceedings trace back to 2017 when the CBI registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) concerning an alleged "sex CD" involving former Chhattisgarh minister Rajesh Munat. The first case originated from a complaint filed by Prakash Bajaj, who claimed that an unidentified individual repeatedly contacted him, asserting possession of a compromising video involving his "masters" in the then BJP-led state government.
The caller allegedly threatened to release the material publicly unless monetary demands were met. This initial complaint set the stage for a complex investigation that would eventually involve multiple political figures.
Second FIR and Political Dimensions
The second case emerged from a complaint by Rajesh Munat himself, who accused former journalist Vinod Verma and then-state Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel of circulating fabricated videos depicting alleged sexual acts involving him and other BJP ministers and politicians. According to Munat's allegations, these manipulated videos were disseminated through social media platforms and physical CD distribution.
The timing of these developments proved particularly significant, as Baghel was arrested just weeks before the crucial Assembly elections in September 2018. Although the charges against him were bailable, Baghel maintained his innocence and characterized the case as a political attack, consequently refusing to apply for bail initially.
Legal Proceedings and Recent Developments
Following his arrest, Baghel was placed in judicial custody but granted bail within a few days. The case took a turn in March of last year when a lower court discharged him from the proceedings. However, the CBI appealed against this discharge order, leading to Saturday's reversal by the special CBI court.
In the same hearing, the court also dismissed appeals filed by other accused individuals—Kailash Murarka, Vinod Verma, and Vijay Bhatia—who had challenged the trial court's order framing charges against them. This comprehensive ruling underscores the court's position on moving forward with the legal process against all involved parties.
The reinstatement of the trial marks a significant development in a case that has spanned nearly a decade, intertwining political rivalries, media manipulation allegations, and legal complexities. As the proceedings resume, all eyes will be on the judicial process and its potential implications for Chhattisgarh's political landscape.
