Bilaspur – The Chhattisgarh High Court on Thursday stayed trial court proceedings against former CM and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel in the 2017 case linked to an alleged objectionable video of a former BJP minister. Justice Radhakishan Agrawal passed the interim order while hearing Baghel’s petition. He challenged a Jan 24, 2026 order by the Special CBI Court, Raipur, which had cancelled his earlier discharge and asked for charges to be framed. Baghel’s counsel Harshwardhan Parganiha told the court that the magistrate had discharged Baghel on March 4, 2025. The CBI then filed a revision, which the special judge allowed. Parganiha argued that order went beyond legal limits and sought a stay. The CBI opposed it, saying the revision was correct. The HC stayed all further proceedings in the Raipur CBI court until further notice. Next hearing is in the first week of September. What The Case Is About The row started in Oct 2017 after a purported video allegedly featuring then-PWD minister Rajesh Munat surfaced. A blackmail complaint was filed by BJP leader Prakash Bajaj. Journalist Vinod Verma, considered close to Baghel, was arrested from Ghaziabad in Oct 2017. Police said they seized CDs and pen drives. Munat later filed a complaint against Baghel and Verma, accusing them of conspiring to defame him. The BJP govt then handed the case to CBI.In Sept 2018, CBI filed charges against Baghel, Verma and 3 others for forgery, conspiracy and IT Act violations. Baghel was arrested and spent 3 nights in jail before getting bail. Congress called it a political case. After winning the 2018 assembly polls, Baghel became CM and Verma became his political adviser. The case saw little activity for years and resumed in 2025. Post navigation Parliament Heats Up As Rahul Accuses Shah, BJP Rejects Claims PM Modi Reviews Global Crisis, Orders Plan To Protect Seafarers
