Rishikesh resort murder fallout: Ex-BJP MLA denied anticipatory bail in ‘VIP’ clips case

Dehradun: Uttarakhand high court refused anticipatory bail to former BJP MLA Suresh Rathor in two Dehradun cases linked to circulation of objectionable audio and video clips allegedly naming a “VIP” in the 2022 Rishikesh resort murder case, observing that social media could not be used to tarnish reputations or further a political conspiracy.A single-judge bench of justice Alok Mahra directed state govt to submit a status report by Wednesday and listed the matter for the same day. Rathor had moved court expressing apprehension of arrest, while his counsel argued that police had not followed Supreme Court guidelines and that two other cases registered against him in Haridwar had already been quashed by high court.The pending cases were registered at Dalanwala and Nehru Colony police stations in Dehradun.

They relate to audio and video clips that allegedly linked complainants Aarti Gaur, a former zila panchayat member, and former BJP MP Dushyant Gautam to the “VIP” angle in the resort murder case. HC had earlier ordered a thorough probe into the Dehradun cases.The court said linking persons to a serious crime through social media was a serious issue and that investigating agencies must be allowed to conduct a comprehensive probe.

“If anyone has evidence, it should be placed before the competent authority instead of using social media to tarnish an image or further a political conspiracy,” the court observed.The controversy began in Dec last year after Urmila, alleged to be Rathor’s wife, released a video on social media in which she referred to Gaur in connection with the “VIP” aspect of the murder case. Following this, Gaur resigned from BJP’s primary membership and demanded a CBI inquiry into the murder case, saying she would stand by her resignation until govt ordered such a probe.Gaur alleged that Rathor and Urmila had made serious accusations against her, including claims linked to use of a bulldozer at the resort and involvement in a sex racket connected to the murder case. Rathor has denied wrongdoing in related proceedings, while police said investigation into the Dehradun cases was continuing.