Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal has categorically dismissed allegations of any 'VIP' involvement in the high-profile Rishikesh resort murder case. He asserted that the Special Investigation Team probing the matter found no evidence to support such claims.
SIT Investigation Clears VIPs, Says Bansal
Addressing a press conference at the party's state headquarters in Dehradun on Monday, Bansal stated that the SIT had conducted a thorough investigation. The court subsequently accepted the finding that no person of VIP status was involved in the case, he emphasised. His statement comes amid a significant political controversy triggered by the release of audio clips.
Audio Clips Spark Political Slugfest
The controversy erupted after actress Urmila Sanawar, who claims to be the second wife of expelled former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, released audio recordings. In these clips, Rathore is purportedly heard referring to a 'VIP' linked to the murder case, allegedly implicating BJP's national general secretary Dushyant Gautam.
Both Gautam and Rathore have denied the authenticity of the clips. Gautam refuted any involvement, while Rathore dismissed the recordings as "AI-generated." However, the opposition Congress party seized upon the issue, accusing the BJP-led state government of attempting to shield influential people.
BJP Accuses Congress of Politicising Tragedy
Responding sharply to the Congress's allegations, Bansal accused the opposition of exploiting a sensitive issue for political gain. "Congress is raising the Ankita murder case without any basis and is playing with the emotions of the people of the state," he charged.
He defended his party's stance on transparency, stating, "The BJP does not shy away from any kind of investigation. As and when facts emerge, they will also be investigated."
When questioned about the differing legal actions taken, specifically why a non-bailable warrant was issued against Sanawar but not against Rathore, Bansal clarified the police's position. He confirmed that raids were underway to locate Rathore, and once both individuals were found, their statements would be officially recorded and investigated.
"If, after that, the name of any other person emerges, the government will not hesitate to send that person too behind bars," Bansal added. Following these statements, BJP leaders at the press conference concluded the interaction abruptly, ignoring further questions from the media.
