MP High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Reporter Accused Of Manipulating Video Showing Head Constable Accepting Bribe

The Madhya Pradesh High Court, on Monday (17 November), granted anticipatory bail to News Reporter Rafiq Khan, who is accused of editing and manipulating a video that went viral on Tej India YouTube channel, purportedly showing a Head Constable of Ratlam receiving a bribe from an autorikshaw driver. 

According to the case diary, the Head Constable of Ratlam Police Station submitted a written complaint to the Station House Officer stating that while he was on duty in the circulating area of the Railway Station, he found an autorikshaw driver obstructing traffic. 

When he attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver fled, but was later intercepted by the Head Constable, who issued a chalan for parking in a 'no parking zone'. During this incident, Rafiq Khan, the news reporter, arrived at the location and recorded a video. 

Subsequently, the Head Constable was informed by a friend that the video had been broadcast on Tej India's YouTube Channel, allegedly showing him taking a bribe. The Head Constable claimed that the video had been edited and manipulated, damaging his reputation and causing social disrepute. 

Based on these allegations, an FIR was registered against the reporter for forgery with the intention to cheat (Section 336(3)) and forgery with an intention to harm reputation (Section 336(4)) of the BNS, 2023.  

The bench of Justice Sanjeev S Kalgaonkar observed that the investigation into the matter is ongoing. The court also noted that Khan is a professional news reporter with family responsibilities. Considering his age, profession and social standing, there appeared to be no likelihood of him fleeing from justice or engaging in criminal activity.

With no prior criminal record, there was also no risk of tampering with evidence, influencing witnesses or interfering in the investigation. The court, thus, concluded that incarceration of the news reporter was not necessary. 

Therefore, the bench directed; 

"The grant of anticipatory bail to the applicant will not cause prejudice to free, fair and full investigation. Considering his clean past, age, status and profession, the applicant may suffer hardship and prejudice due to incarceration entailing social disrepute and humiliation. Considering the overall circumstances of the case, but without commenting on merits of the accusation, this Court is inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the applicant". 

Case Title: Rafiq Khan v State [MCRC-46585-2025]

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (MP) 250

For Applicant: Advocate Daya Nath Pandey

For State: Public Prosecutor Romil Verma

Click here to read/download the Order