The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday filed a chargesheet in the “Sex CD” case in Chhattisgarh, alleging that it was created by superimposing the face of the State PWD Minister, Rajesh Munat, on a porn video clip at the instance of his party colleague Kailash Murarka.
Expelled from BJP
Among those named as accused by the CBI are Mr. Murarka, his alleged associates Vinay Pandya and Rinku Khanuja (deceased), journalist Vinod Verma, State Congress chief Bhupesh Baghel and his acquaintance Vijay Bhatia. The BJP has expelled Mr. Murarka.
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Accused absconding
In November last year, the agency took over the probe from the State police, which had arrested Vinod Verma for his alleged role in the distribution of the CDs. The chargesheet states that forensic analysis established morphing in the clip.
The main accused, Mr. Murarka, is absconding. He allegedly paid ₹75 lakh to Mr. Pandya and Mr. Khanuja to get the job done, said a CBI official. While Mr. Pandya is untraceable, his associate allegedly committed suicide.
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According to the CBI, Mr. Pandya and Mr. Khanuja allegedly hired one Manas Sahoo from Mumbai for ₹1 lakh to get the morphing done. Mr. Murarka then handed over the clip to the accused journalist. The two also met the State Congress chief and his associate at a Delhi hotel, the agency has alleged.
On Monday, a special court sent Mr. Baghel to judicial custody for 14 days after he refused to seek bail or engage any lawyer, stating that he was being framed.