The investigation into Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya’s complaint against her husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, has moved to the evidence-comparison stage. The Special Investigation Team recorded statements from the minister’s staff on Monday and will compare them with documents, audio material and other available evidence.
Arya filed a case at Dehradun’s Cantonment police station on 15 October. Her complaint includes allegations of assault, harassment, the use of caste-based slurs, threats and alleged forgery in documents linked to companies. She has also cited a viral audio recording while alleging a conspiracy to kill her. Police have not established these allegations, which remain part of the investigation.
Staff statements under scrutiny
The staff statements are considered relevant because Arya alleged that her husband used caste-based words against her in front of staff members. Investigators are expected to examine who was present during the alleged incident and whether the accounts are consistent with one another and with the complaint.
The SIT will also compare the statements with the available documentary and audio evidence. Recording statements alone does not establish the allegations. The final position will depend on the investigation’s findings.
The police have formed a 10-member SIT led by Rural Superintendent of Police Jaya Baluni. The team has already recorded Arya’s statement and is examining the evidence submitted in connection with her complaint.
Bareilly records and alleged company-document forgery
A separate part of the case concerns alleged forged signatures and fabricated documents. Arya has alleged that documents were prepared without her consent to show that she had been removed as a director of certain companies. She has said that she neither signed those documents nor resigned from the directorship.
The SIT has travelled to Bareilly and collected records related to the matter. Media reports said the team received copies rather than the original documents and is now trying to obtain the original records. Those records could help investigators examine the documents’ authenticity and the signatures attributed to Arya.
The investigation will also assess how the documents were prepared and whether they are connected to the allegations in the complaint. No forgery has been established at this stage.
Viral recordings sent for forensic examination
2 alleged audio clips circulated on social media have also been sent to a laboratory for examination. The police and SIT are expected to assess whether the recordings are genuine, identify the voices and determine whether the files show signs of technical manipulation.
Arya shared the alleged conversations on her social media account, identifying the other participants as Sahu and Kalpana Mishra, also known as Kalpana Chaturvedi. The recordings are claimed to contain discussions about legal cases, bail, legal assistance, money, buying a flat and Arya’s position as a minister.
one alleged recording includes a woman discussing her parents’ condition and is claimed to contain remarks about shooting Arya. Sahu is alleged to respond that he would spend whatever money was needed. Arya has relied on this conversation while alleging a conspiracy to kill her.
Another portion is described as discussing cases against the woman, the possibility of jail, bail arrangements, a lawyer and the signing of a vakalatnama. The alleged conversation also refers to the availability of a person in Bareilly to sign the legal document. The meaning, context and identity of the speakers have not been independently confirmed.
Sahu has rejected the allegations and described the audio as being created using artificial intelligence. The forensic examination is therefore expected to be important in determining whether the recordings are authentic and whether the voices belong to the people identified in the complaint.
Police action and next steps
According to media reports, the SIT went to Bareilly to meet Sahu but did not find him at his residence. His family was served a notice, and police asked him to cooperate with the investigation.
Senior Superintendent of Police Premendra Singh Dobal said the case was registered at the Cantonment police station on the basis of Arya’s complaint. Police have said they are examining all facts and evidence connected with the matter. They have also been in contact with Arya, although she was advised to rest because she was not well at the time described in the report.
The Uttarakhand State Commission for Women has taken cognisance of the matter and directed action. The next verified steps include securing original Bareilly records, completing the forensic examination of the audio clips and comparing those findings with witness statements.
Conclusion
The SIT is comparing staff testimony with documentary and audio evidence in a case involving allegations that have not yet been proved. The authenticity of the recordings and the original company records will be central to the investigation’s next stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the SIT investigating?
The SIT is investigating Rekha Arya’s complaint against Girdhari Lal Sahu, including allegations of assault, harassment, caste-based slurs, threats, alleged document forgery and a claimed murder conspiracy.
Q. When was the case registered?
Arya’s case was registered at Dehradun’s Cantonment police station on 15 October.
Q. Why were the minister’s staff members questioned?
Arya alleged that caste-based words were used against her in front of staff members. Their statements may help establish who was present and what happened during the alleged incident.
Q. What documents is the SIT seeking from Bareilly?
The team is seeking original records connected with alleged documents and signatures used to show Arya’s removal as a company director.
Q. What is being checked in the viral audio clips?
The clips are being examined for authenticity, voice identity and possible technical manipulation.
Q. What does Girdhari Lal Sahu say about the recordings?
Sahu has rejected the allegations and said the audio was created using artificial intelligence.
