A 9-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya’s harassment complaint has sent a team to Bareilly to collect evidence linked to the case. Investigators are also waiting for Arya to recover fully before recording her statement.
The inquiry is being conducted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police (Rural). The team is examining information related to the case from its beginning and testing the facts before deciding the next steps.
Evidence collection in Bareilly
According to information reported in connection with the investigation, the Bareilly team is collecting material linked to a viral audio recording. The recording is described as a conversation between Arya’s husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, and a woman identified in the case as Kalpana Mishra.
The investigation is examining allegations that threats were made against the minister’s life. Investigators are also collecting evidence concerning Sahu and Mishra. Any action against them will depend on the evidence obtained during the inquiry.
The current focus of the SIT is evidence gathering. The team is expected to assess the recording and other relevant material before reaching conclusions about the allegations.
Minister’s complaint and hospitalisation
Earlier, on Thursday, Arya filed a complaint at the Cantonment police station in Dehradun against her husband. She accused him of harassing her and conspiring to kill her. A case was registered on the basis of that complaint.
Arya’s health deteriorated after the complaint, and she was admitted to hospital. She has been receiving treatment since Wednesday evening. Doctors said her blood pressure would take time to return to normal and advised her to rest.
Because of her health, the SIT has not yet recorded her statement. Investigators are waiting until she is completely well before meeting her and documenting her account of the matter.
Conflicting claims over the viral audio
After the case was registered, an audio recording involving Sahu circulated on Friday. In it, he made corruption allegations against Arya and described the viral recording as fake.
Arya addressed reporters from the hospital on Saturday morning. She said she had faced harassment for years, responded to the corruption allegations and maintained that the viral audio was genuine.
These are conflicting claims by the people involved. The SIT’s investigation is intended to examine the available evidence, including material connected with the audio, and establish the facts relevant to the complaint.
What happens next
The immediate next step is the completion of evidence collection in Bareilly and other parts of the inquiry. After Arya has recovered sufficiently, the SIT will record her statement.
Further action against Sahu and Mishra will be considered if the investigation produces sufficient evidence. The case remains under investigation, and the available report does not establish guilt against either person.
Conclusion
The SIT has begun its inquiry by sending a team to Bareilly for evidence collection while awaiting Rekha Arya’s recovery. Her statement and the material gathered during the investigation will guide the next action in the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the SIT investigating?
The SIT is investigating Rekha Arya’s harassment complaint, including allegations that a conspiracy was made to kill her and issues connected with a viral audio recording.
Q. Where has the SIT sent a team?
The SIT has sent a team to Bareilly to collect evidence linked to the case.
Q. How many members are in the SIT?
The investigation is being conducted by a 9-member SIT under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police (Rural).
Q. Why has Arya’s statement not been recorded yet?
The SIT is waiting for Arya to recover fully before recording her statement. She is currently receiving hospital treatment and has been advised to rest.
Q. What did Arya allege in her complaint?
Arya accused her husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, of harassing her and conspiring to kill her. A case was registered at Dehradun’s Cantonment police station.
Q. What did Sahu say about the viral audio?
Sahu made corruption allegations against Arya and described the viral audio as fake.
Q. What did Arya say about the audio?
Arya said the audio was genuine. She also spoke about alleged long-term harassment and responded to the corruption allegations.
Q. What will determine further action?
Further action against Sahu and Kalpana Mishra will depend on whether the investigation finds sufficient supporting evidence.
