At the Indore Bench on Monday, the Madhya Pradesh High Court granted anticipatory bail to Ratlam-based reporter Rafiq Khan, who was facing possible arrest in a case alleging that he uploaded an edited and manipulated video portraying a GRP head constable as accepting a bribe. The hearing felt tense at times, with both sides defending their positions sharply, but the bench kept the proceedings steady and focused.
Background
The case stems from a June 2025 incident near Ratlam Railway Station. According to the prosecution, Head Constable Mahendra Tiwari issued a challan to an auto driver for parking in a no-parking zone. Later, a friend informed him that a YouTube channel had broadcast a video showing him “taking bribe”. The officer alleged that the footage was edited just enough to tarnish his name and “socially disrepute” him. Police then registered an FIR under Sections 336(3) and 336(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-provisions dealing with creating false or harmful evidence.
Khan, however, told the court-through his lawyer-that he merely recorded what he saw. He argued that his work as a journalist often brought him face-to-face with sensitive situations, and he had previously complained against the GRP staff for alleged misconduct. “He was only doing his duty,” his counsel insisted, adding that the video sent to a YouTube channel was unedited, and the allegations were “motivated”.
Court’s Observations
Justice Sanjeev S. Kalgaonkar examined the material from the case diary and noted that both offences carried punishment of less than seven years-an important detail because the Supreme Court has directed police not to rush into arrests in such cases. The judge pointedly reminded the police about compliance with the Arnesh Kumar and Satender Kumar Antil guidelines, remarking that officers must avoid unnecessary arrests.
The bench also acknowledged that Khan had recently been acquitted in another old criminal matter, weakening the State’s objection about his alleged antecedents. “The contentions raised by the applicant carry prima facie substance,” the court observed, especially considering his earlier complaints against higher police authorities.
In a somewhat direct remark aimed at balancing press freedom and responsible reporting, the bench noted, “Considering his age, profession and status, there appears no likelihood of fleeing from justice or tampering with evidence.” Another line indicated a practical judicial approach: “Incarceration at this stage may cause undue hardship and social humiliation.”
Decision
The court concluded that custodial interrogation was not necessary and allowed the anticipatory bail. If arrested, Khan will be released on a personal bond of ₹50,000 with a solvent surety of the same amount. He must cooperate with the investigation, avoid influencing witnesses, and stay away from any act that could “disrepute” the GRP officials involved.
With this, the court disposed of the application and made the order effective until the end of the trial.
Case Title: Rafiq Khan v. State of Madhya Pradesh - Anticipatory Bail in Alleged Edited Video Case
Court: High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Indore Bench
Judge: Hon’ble Justice Sanjeev S. Kalgaonkar
Case Number: MCRC No. 46585 of 2025
Applicant: Rafiq Khan (Journalist)
Respondent: State of Madhya Pradesh
Date of Order: 17 November 2025
