Nagpur: In a development that has sparked serious concern within the police department, Nagpur city police have booked a YouTube journalist for allegedly attempting to malign the image of the force by spreading unverified and provocative claims in connection with a recent murder case under Jaripatka police station limits.
The accused, identified as Vijay Sitaram Khawase (50), who runs a YouTube channel titled WH News, has been charged with allegedly circulating objectionable content aimed at discrediting senior police officials and portraying Jaripatka police as corrupt without substantiated evidence.
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The controversy stems from the murder of Chetan Sahare, who was attacked due to personal enmity in Jaripatka and later succumbed to injuries on February 6. Tension prevailed before the funeral when agitated relatives brought Sahare’s body to Jaripatka police station and raised slogans demanding justice. Police constable Tarang Sharma was on duty at the time to manage the situation.
According to police sources, Khawase was present during the protest and recorded reactions of the grieving relatives. However, later that night, a video uploaded on his YouTube channel allegedly crossed the line from reportage to accusation. In the video, Khawase reportedly accused Jaripatka police of corruption, claimed that the murder accused were released after accepting bribes, and alleged that attempts were made to “compromise” the case. He even went to the extent of branding Jaripatka as “the most corrupt police station in Nagpur.”
Senior officials maintain that such statements were not only baseless but also capable of eroding public trust in law enforcement during a sensitive investigation. Acting on a complaint filed by Constable Tarang Sharma, Jaripatka police registered an FIR against Khawase.
Betting den link surfaces
Adding another twist, Khawase’s name has surfaced in a separate illegal betting case under Wadi police station. On January 12, a joint team of DCP Zone 1 and Wadi police raided a betting den at Bakshi Layout near MIDC T-Point. During scrutiny of seized materials, including diaries and bank records, investigators reportedly found online payment entries linked to Khawase’s bank account.
Police sources said several deposits were traced to his account, raising suspicion that he may have been a partner in the betting racket. The financial trail is now under detailed examination.
Officials further revealed that Khawase has been involved in previous controversies. He is currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him. Police have indicated that his residence will be searched, financial transactions scrutinised, and call detail records analysed to establish the full extent of his alleged activities, including whether any police personnel were involved.
The twin cases have now shifted the spotlight from accusations against the police to the credibility and conduct of the self-styled YouTube journalist, even as the department asserts that attempts to damage its image through “motivated narratives” will not be tolerated.
