An intelligence inquiry into a complaint by Haldwani Congress MLA Sumit Hridayesh reportedly found no confirmation of his suspicion that his phone had been hacked. Hridayesh, however, says police neither recorded his statement nor told him that the inquiry had been conducted.

The issue resurfaced after Hridayesh said at a Wednesday press conference that his phone and those of his family members were being tapped. He also said he faced a threat to his life and suspected a group of hackers. His remarks triggered political discussion in Haldwani and across Nainital district.

What the earlier complaint contained

Police records reviewed after the press conference showed that Hridayesh had personally approached then-Nainital SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena, also identified as P.N. Meena, with a complaint. According to the police account, the complaint did not name any person or include other specific details. It only mentioned a suspicion that the MLA’s mobile phone had been hacked.

The complaint was reportedly sent for an intelligence inquiry during Meena’s tenure. Sources cited in the report said the inquiry did not confirm the allegation or the suspicion. Meena could not be contacted because he is currently outside Uttarakhand on deputation.

Hridayesh contests that account. He says he had provided the names and phone numbers of 2 people in writing. He also says that police did not ask him for a device, although he was later told that action had not proceeded because no device had been made available.

“I was not asked for any device, and neither was my statement recorded,” Hridayesh said, alleging that the police were spreading confusion. He also said he had contacted the former SSP a few days after submitting the complaint to ask about its status.

Current police position

Nainital SSP Dr Manjunath T.C. said the earlier complaint contained only a suspicion of phone hacking. He said no fresh written complaint had been received from Hridayesh at present.

“If any written complaint is officially received, it will be investigated seriously,” the SSP said. His statement leaves open the possibility of a new inquiry if the MLA submits a formal complaint containing further details.

The police position and Hridayesh’s account differ on the contents of the original complaint and the steps taken afterwards. Police records, as described in the report, do not mention names or other details, while the MLA maintains that he submitted the names and numbers of 2 people.

Political reaction in Uttarakhand

Hridayesh’s claims have intensified discussion within Congress circles and the wider political community. He had alleged that 2 senior Congress leaders knew about the alleged phone tapping but did not take action. He also said his life was at risk.

Former MLA Ranjit Rawat said every Congress worker stood with Hridayesh and that a complaint involving insecurity should have been acted upon. Leader of Opposition Yashpal Arya called the matter serious and said he would speak with Hridayesh.

Congress state president Ganesh Godiyal said the issue concerned a police investigation rather than a request for party support. He said police should provide protection in light of what Hridayesh had stated and done.

The episode has also prompted speculation about its possible effect on Congress’s internal politics before the next Assembly election. However, there is no official confirmation that Hridayesh intends to leave Congress or take any such political decision.

Hridayesh withdraws self-immolation remark

On Thursday afternoon, Hridayesh ed a video on Facebook withdrawing remarks about self-immolation in Gairsain. He said he had spoken in an emotional state on Wednesday and that he should not have used those words.

Hridayesh said his family had also objected to the remark and that he did not want to act for cheap popularity. He expressed faith in Golju Devta and Kotgadi Devi and said he believed he would receive justice. He also thanked people for their support.

Conclusion

The available police account says the intelligence inquiry did not confirm the phone-hacking suspicion recorded in the earlier complaint. Hridayesh disputes how the complaint was handled, and the next verified step would be a fresh official investigation if he submits a written complaint with further details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What did the intelligence inquiry find?

The inquiry reportedly did not confirm the allegation or suspicion that Hridayesh’s mobile phone had been hacked.

Q. What does Hridayesh allege?

He says his phone and his family members’ phones were being tapped, that his life was under threat, and that a group of hackers was involved.

Q. What does police say was written in the original complaint?

Police say it only mentioned a suspicion that Hridayesh’s mobile phone had been hacked and contained no names or other details.

Q. What does Hridayesh say he submitted?

Hridayesh says he provided the names and phone numbers of 2 people in writing.

Q. Has Hridayesh filed a fresh complaint?

The current Nainital SSP said no fresh written complaint had been received from him at present.

Q. What will police do if he submits one?

SSP Dr Manjunath T.C. said an officially submitted written complaint would be investigated seriously.

Q. What did Hridayesh later withdraw?

He withdrew his remarks about self-immolation in Gairsain, saying they were made while he was highly emotional.

Q. Has he announced plans to leave Congress?

No official confirmation has emerged that Hridayesh plans to leave Congress or take a major political decision.