my uttarakhand news Bureau
Haridwar, 25 Dec: Former MLA Suresh Rathore today addressed yet another press conference issuing a fresh clarification amid the political uproar triggered by audio and video clips linked to the Ankita Bhandari murder case. Rathore has accused actor Urmila Sanawar of blackmail and extortion.
Addressing a press conference in Haridwar, today, Rathore alleged that Urmila Sanawar had blackmailed him and extorted an amount of Rs 50 lakhs from him. Despite this, she continued to persist with what he described as repeated attempts to malign him. He described Urmila as a Congress agent and demanded an investigation into her call records and those of several Congress leaders. Rathore claimed that that the truth would emerge if such details are examined. Rathore said Urmila Sanawar should be arrested at the earliest and added that he was fully prepared to face any kind of investigation.
The former MLA alleged that the actor was tarnishing his image on public platforms and social media. He said that if she genuinely claimed to be his wife, she should seek legal remedies through the courts instead of indulging in his character assassination on social media. Rathore accused her of attempting to break his family and damage his social and political standing. He further claimed that he had been defamed by the use of derogatory terms such as “Kalnemi” against him, following which a case had been registered against her at the Jwalapur police station. Rathore alleged that the Rs 50 lakhs was extracted from him on the pretext of purchasing a house in Mumbai and claimed that he was even compelled to sell his factory to meet the demand. Describing the entire episode as a political conspiracy, he claimed that the developments are being orchestrated at the behest of the Congress party and claimed that threats have been even issued to topple the State Government within three days.
Questioning the functioning of the police, Rathore demanded a fair and impartial investigation, stating that scrutiny of mobile phones and call details would reveal the involvement of Congress-linked individuals. He alleged that Urmila Sanawar is being used as a “tool” by the Congress. Referring to his political career, Rathore said that while holding various responsibilities in the BJP, he had always worked towards social unity and alleged that a conspiracy was now being hatched to defame leaders in the State. He praised the government led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, stating that it was performing well but demanded the immediate arrest of Urmila Sanawar. He urged the SSP Haridwar to take strict action in the alleged extortion case and accused the Congress of turning the death of Ankita Bhandari into a mockery. Rathore said that firm police action is necessary and added that he is ready to go to jail if found guilty in the investigation related to the fresh case registered against him.
It may be recalled that political temperatures in Uttarakhand have risen sharply following the viral audio and video clips of an alleged conversation between former MLA Suresh Rathore and actor Urmila Sanawar, who claims to be his wife, in connection with the Ankita Bhandari case. With the name of a senior BJP leader allegedly surfacing in the controversy, the Congress has intensified its attack, holding protests and demanding action based on an inquiry.
It may be also reminded here that a case has yesterday been registered against both Suresh Rathore and Urmila Sanawar at the Bahadrabad police station in Haridwar, after which the police have initiated an investigation. In response, Urmila Sanawar posted a statement on Facebook, challenging Rathore to substantiate his allegations and asking him to provide documentary proof, including the flat registry, loan details and the address of the alleged property in Mumbai.
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