Bharatiya Janata Party's national general secretary, Dushyant Kumar Gautam, has issued a stern rebuttal against attempts to associate his name with the ongoing Rishikesh resort murder investigation. In a strongly worded video statement, the senior political figure expressed his frustration and anger over what he termed a malicious campaign to damage his reputation.
Gautam's Firm Denial and Legal Threat
Dushyant Kumar Gautam categorically denied any involvement or connection with the Rishikesh resort murder case. He expressed strong disapproval over his name being dragged into the criminal investigation without any basis. The BJP leader issued a clear warning of initiating defamation and legal proceedings against individuals or groups trying to implicate him falsely.
In a dramatic assertion to underline his confidence, Gautam stated that if any credible evidence emerged against him in relation to the case, he would retire from politics entirely. He alleged that certain anti-social elements were orchestrating a plot to tarnish his public image and political standing.
Formal Complaint and Police Investigation
The controversy stems from a purported audio clip that has been circulated on social media, allegedly linking Gautam to the murder case. In response, Gautam has taken official steps by writing to Uttarakhand's Home Secretary. He formally requested the removal of the audio clip and any related content linking him to the case from various social media platforms.
Adding a new layer to the incident, Dharmendra Kumar, the general secretary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Akhada, lodged a formal police complaint on Thursday. The complaint targets expelled former MLA Suresh Rathore and a woman who claims to be Rathore's wife. Kumar, who also serves as the president of Guru Ravidas Akhara, accused the duo of creating and circulating a fabricated audio clip with the deliberate intention of damaging Gautam's public image and reputation.
The complaint alleges that Suresh Rathore holds a personal grudge against Dushyant Gautam, which motivated him to record and distribute the audio containing false allegations connected to the resort murder.
Haridwar Police Swing Into Action
Following the complaint, the Haridwar police have initiated a formal investigation into the matter. Law enforcement authorities have issued notices to both accused individuals, Suresh Rathore and the woman, to record their official statements regarding the alleged fabrication and circulation of the audio clip.
City Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhay Singh provided details of the probe to the media. "We started an investigation in the matter and a notice has been issued to Suresh Rathore to record his statement, but he was absent," stated SP Singh. He further added that another police team is being dispatched to Saharanpur to serve notice to the second accused in the case.
The police action underscores the seriousness with which the allegations of character assassination through fabricated evidence are being taken. The case highlights the increasing use of digital media to wage personal and political vendettas, prompting legal intervention.
