A 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate allegations of death threat, assault and harassment levelled by cabinet minister Rekha Arya against her husband Girdhari Lal Sahu, with two audio clips shared by her also sent to a laboratory for examination.
The superintendent of police (Rural) Jaya Bhaluni is leading the SIT. Speaking on Saturday, she said that the police have sent the audio recordings to a laboratory for examination and were attempting to record Arya’s statement to advance the investigation.
During a media briefing from her hospital bed on Saturday, Arya averred that she had not known about Sahu’s first marriage before their wedding. She claimed that she learnt about it after having children with him and that the family had made several attempts to resolve the matter.
Responding to allegations concerning her assets, Arya said that details had been disclosed in her election affidavits. She said that she had submitted a complaint to the police and expected action based on the evidence. She also called for an examination of any possible violation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Sahu, however, has rejected the allegations in a video shared on social media, claiming that the audio clip was fabricated using artificial intelligence (AI). He has also alleged that Arya possesses assets worth around Rs 210 crore that are illegal and demanded an investigation. He did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate his claim in the video.
The Dehradun police registered an FIR at Cantt police station on October 15 following a written complaint by Arya. She accused her husband of assaulting and harassing her, using caste-based slurs and threatening to kill her. The complaint also refers to an alleged conspiracy to murder her, citing an audio clip. Arya has expressed concern for her safety and that of her minor children.
