Overview
- The order restores the CBI’s prosecution that names Bhupesh Baghel as an accused in its charge sheet.
- Appeals by Kailash Murarka, journalist Vinod Verma, and Vijay Bhatia against the framing of charges were dismissed.
- The case originates from two FIRs filed in Raipur in October 2017 based on complaints by former minister Rajesh Munat and BJP leader Prakash Bajaj.
- Investigators cited a ransom call about a purported pornographic video, while a separate complaint alleged circulation of an allegedly fake clip to tarnish Munat.
- Baghel and Verma deny the allegations, Munat has called the video fake, and the court’s move advances procedure without deciding guilt.