Big relief to journalists from High Court in extortion case registered after sting operation

Bhopal.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has provided significant relief to journalists in the extortion case registered after a sting operation in Dewas related to the expose of alleged fetal sex determination, illegal abortion and female foeticide. the court has Tehelka Digital News journalists from Vinay Arora Anticipatory bail has been approved. Earlier on June 25, co-accused journalist in the same case Rajni Had got regular bail.

Both the cases will be heard by the single bench judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court. Pawan Kumar Dwivedi Did it. The court, while perusing the available records, found that the videos prepared during the sting operation had been sent to the concerned officials of the state and central governments even before the FIR was registered. The court prima facie considered this fact as an important basis for granting relief.

Videos were sent to the authorities before the FIR

According to media reports, in the order passed on July 2, the High Court mentioned that it is clear from the records that on April 6, 2026, videos of the sting operation were sent to the Health Commissioner of Madhya Pradesh, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Director General of Police (DGP) and Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Dewas. Apart from this, videos were also made available to the concerned officials on 6th and 7th April. After this, on April 7, the police registered an FIR.

Keeping these circumstances in mind, the court granted anticipatory bail to Vinay Arora. Earlier, while granting bail to journalist Rajni, the court had also mentioned similar circumstances.

what is the whole matter

In the FIR lodged at the Kotwali police station in Dewas, it has been alleged that journalists Vinay Arora, Rajni and others tried to extort money and put pressure on the complainant on the basis of the video recorded during the sting operation.

Police have registered a case under sections 308(5) and 308(6) (extortion), section 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) and section 3(5) (common purpose) of the Indian Justice Code (BNS).

journalists’ side

It was argued in the court on behalf of the journalists that the purpose of the sting operation was to expose the alleged illegal activities going on in the society. According to him, during the sting PCPNDT Act, 1994 And Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 Cases of alleged illegal fetal sex determination, illegal abortion and female feticide involving violations of the IPC were revealed.

The defense also said that the videos of the sting operation were handed over to the concerned government officials even before the FIR was registered. In such a situation, the allegations of extortion are baseless and this action has been taken in retaliation after the alleged illegal activities were exposed.

State government expressed protest

The state government opposed the anticipatory bail saying that the allegations are of serious nature. The government side argued that the journalists used the video recorded during the sting operation to blackmail and put pressure on the complainant.

However, the High Court clarified that no final comment is being made on the merits of the case at this stage and on the basis of available facts, relief has been provided to both the journalists as per law.

bail conditions

The High Court, in its order dated July 2, directed that if Vinay Arora is arrested in this case, he should be released on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and a competent surety of the same amount.

At the same time, in the order passed on June 25, journalist Rajni was directed to grant regular bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a competent surety. Besides, he has been asked to follow the condition of being regularly present in the trial court.

Advocates presented their side

Advocate on behalf of journalists in the case Aman Malviya Advocated for the State Government, while the Government Advocate represented the State Government. Surendra Singh Alava And Hemant Sharma Presented his side in the court. Now the further hearing of the case will continue in the trial court as per the prescribed procedure.