Vijay Diwakar, a freelance journalist who publishes a local newspaper 'Sansani of India', was arrested yesterday for sexually assaulting the two girls, including a minor, after he purportedly captured four persons selling these girls to him for Rs 30,000.

Diwakar had the sting video against immoral trafficking shot in Badarpur. He had then filed a complaint with police about it on April 6. Based on the complaint, four persons --Samar Mandal, his wife Kanad and their two associates Mukesh and Manju -- were arrested.

However, the girls later told police that the journalist allegedly raped them.

A senior police official said Diwakar produced a video purportedly showing him as a decoy customer and the alleged traffickers as demanding money for the girls. They allegedly fixed up a deal for Rs 30,000.

The video purportedly showed Diwakar paying the money and taking the girls after which he allegedly raped them.

One of the victims is 12 years old while the other is 18. The 12-year-old girl told police that she knew Manju who was arrested in connection with the case.