Ex-BJP MLA Suresh Rathore Held In Viral Audio-Video Clip Case Tied To Ankita Probe

Former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore has been arrested in connection with an ongoing probe into a viral audio-video clip controversy linked to the Ankita Bhandari murder case , police said on Monday.

Officials confirmed Rathore was detained from his office in Buggawala, Haridwar, and taken to Dalanwala Police Station in Dehradun , where he was formally arrested after questioning.

The case centres on allegations that viral clips circulating on social media identified a “VIP” linked to the 2022 murder investigation, triggering renewed political and legal controversy in Uttarakhand.

The arrest follows Rathore’s claim that the Uttarakhand High Court had quashed two FIRs against him. However, court records show that while two FIRs were quashed, the High Court allowed investigation to continue in the remaining cases, observing that social media posts allegedly aimed at maligning reputations required “thorough investigation” .

Rathore faces multiple FIRs across Dehradun and Haridwar over alleged circulation of objectionable content. He has denied wrongdoing, calling the case politically motivated.

The controversy also involves complainants including BJP leader Dushyant Gautam , who was named in viral claims as the alleged “VIP”. He has denied allegations and pursued defamation action, while police have maintained that no VIP involvement has been officially established.

Earlier investigations by the SIT included forensic review of audio clips allegedly circulated by individuals linked to the case. The High Court noted that social media cannot be used to malign reputations or circulate unverified claims in a concluded murder trial.

The case stems from the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari at a resort in Pauri district, which had sparked statewide protests and multiple convictions.