By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, June 15: Former BJP MLA from Jwalapur, Suresh Rathore, has been sent to 14 days’ judicial custody in connection with the alleged audio-video conspiracy case linked to the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case. These audio-video messages had been viral on social media and in this regard, BJP leader in charge of the party affairs in Uttarakhand, Dushyant Gautam had filed a case of criminal defamation against Rathore. After being arrested by Dehradun Police last night, Rathore was produced before a court in Dehradun today, which rejected his bail application and remanded him to 14-day judicial custody. He has subsequently been lodged in Sudhowala District Jail.
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained under public scrutiny for several months. According to the police, the case relates to the alleged creation and circulation of misleading and fabricated audio-video content on social media with the objective of implicating BJP National General Secretary and Uttarakhand in-charge Dushyant Kumar Gautam, along with other senior party leaders, in a sensitive matter and tarnishing their public image.
The Doon Police reminded that Dushyant Kumar Gautam had lodged a complaint at Dalanwala Police Station on 5 January, 2026, alleging that Suresh Rathore and actress Urmila Sanawar, in association with certain political elements, had entered into a criminal conspiracy. It was alleged that fake audio and video clips were either created or circulated to malign BJP leaders, spread social discord and adversely affect law and order. Urmila Sanawar is stated to be close to Rathore and she claims to be his second wife. However, both are stated to be sharing an estranged relationship with each other and this discord was followed by some viral and audio clips on social media.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. During the course of investigation, police claimed to have examined digital evidence, electronic records and witness statements. Investigators also claimed to have found sufficient evidence against Rathore, following which additional charges were incorporated into the case.
The controversy traces its origins to a series of audio clips released last year by Urmila Sanawar, which generated widespread attention and political debate. The recordings, purportedly featuring the voice of Suresh Rathore, repeatedly referred to an alleged “VIP” linked to the Ankita Bhandari case. In the viral audio clips, Rathore allegedly made serious allegations against Dushyant Kumar Gautam, prompting the BJP leader to approach the police.
Investigators said Rathore had remained under surveillance since the registration of the case. Acting on information received from an informer, a police team constituted under the directions of the SSP Dehradun, Pramendra Dobal arrested him near the Biharigarh flyover on yesterday evening.
Sources claim that the legal difficulties facing the former legislator may intensify further, as the police have now added charges related to extortion to the case. According to the investigating agency, Rathore allegedly resorted to the circulation of the material in an attempt to secure the withdrawal of his expulsion from the party and to obtain an important organisational position within the BJP. During the court proceedings, the prosecution argued that if there had been no intention of extortion, there would have been no reason to record videos naming BJP leaders and subsequently make them public. The Police further maintained that these circumstances pointed towards a deliberate effort to exert pressure on party leadership.
The court, after hearing the arguments, rejected Rathore’s bail plea and ordered his judicial custody. Police said action against Urmila Sanawar is also continuing as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case has also witnessed legal developments in the Uttarakhand High Court. Notably, just two days before Rathore’s arrest, the High Court quashed two out of four FIRs registered against him while permitting investigation to continue in the remaining two cases. Police action has been initiated in connection with these surviving cases.
It may be recalled that the controversy is linked indirectly to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, which came to light in September 2022 when Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at the Vanantara Resort in Yamkeshwar area of Pauri district, was found murdered. Resort owner Pulkit Arya, along with Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar, was arrested in connection with the crime. The case triggered widespread outrage across Uttarakhand, with sustained demands for justice for Ankita and repeated calls from opposition parties and social organisations for a CBI inquiry. In May 2025, all three accused were later sentenced to life imprisonment and they continue to be in prison.
