Uttarakhand: Govt open to ‘all forms of probe’, says Dhami on 2022 resort murder; CM to meet girl’s parents | India News

Amid growing demand for a CBI probe into the 2022 Rishikesh resort murder case, in which a 19-year-old receptionist was allegedly killed under mysterious circumstances, CM Pushkar Dhami Tuesday said his govt was open to “all forms of probe” to get answers. The incident had triggered massive protests across Uttarakhand at the time. Dhami said he would also meet the woman’s parents and discuss the matter with them.Calling the case “extremely heartbreaking and sensitive”, Dhami said sentiments of entire state were connected to the case. “Being the CM, I will meet them. After examining all legal aspects, whatever they say regarding justice for their daughter will be followed”.The CM said those involved in the crime would not be spared. “Earlier, it was due to a probe by SIT that three accused were sentenced to life. Some audio recordings have recently come to the fore. We have formed an SIT to probe the matter and the ex-MLA and others whose names have surfaced must cooperate. Instead of remaining on the run, those who made allegations should appear before police so the truth can come out,” he said.Not ruling out a “planned political conspiracy” behind the latest row, Dhami said a similar audio leak had surfaced during the exam paper leak issue. “Hue and cry was created then too. Now another audio leak is being used to spoil the environment of Uttarakhand,” he said, taking a swipe at Congress netas for trying to revive their political careers through the case.Questioning circumstances surrounding the clips, Dhami said it was suspicious that the phone was switched off after releasing the audio and a presser was held in Delhi though the matter pertained to Uttarakhand. He said police and social media records confirmed that the party in-charge named in one audio did not visit Uttarakhand during the period mentioned.Cops tried to approach those levelling fresh allegations and pasted notices at their houses, but they continue to avoid sleuths, he said. Police in Haridwar have constituted an SIT to probe the audio involving a woman, Urmila Sanawar, whose allegations have led to the political storm. The row escalated after several audio clips were allegedly released by Urmila, in which expelled former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore was purportedly referring to a “VIP” who he alleged was a senior BJP neta. It was insinuated that the “VIP” had visited the resort and “sought favours” from the receptionist. Rathore later denied allegations, claiming that the clips were “AI-generated”.