Additional SP Rupesh Dwivedi said that Khariwal allegedly struck a deal with a wanted accused Sabeer alias Chhabbu and his wife Mumtaz to save him from arrest.
The couple agreed to pay Khariwal Rs 25 lakh out of which Rs 12 lakh were paid as advance. But when police arrested Sabeer a few days back, his wife asked Khariwal to give back the money.
The journalist returned Rs 5 lakh, but did not pay the balance amount, following which Mumtaz approached the police.
Khariwal was produced before a local court, which remanded him in police custody till March 21.
Further investigation is on.