Rishikesh resort receptionist murder case: Court sentences ex-BJP minister's son Pulkit Arya, his two aides to life imprisonment
KOTDWAR: The additional district and sessions court (ADJ Court) at Kotdwar delivered its verdict on Fri, finding all three accused— resort owner Pulkit Arya, his employee Saurabh Bhaskar, and associate Ankit Gupta—guilty of murder of the 19-year-old receptionist working in the resort.
The court sentenced the trio to life imprisonment under IPC sections 302 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence) and the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act. Arya has also been convicted under IPC section 354 A (sexual harassment). Ahead of the verdict, extensive security arrangements were put in place by the police administration in Kotdwar. The prosecution had submitted a 500-page charge sheet in the court. The court found that the evidence produced by the prosecution proved that the deceased girl was pressurised for 'extra services' to a VIP guest and after she refused to do so, she was killed.
Arya is the son of now-expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, who was a minister of state in the Trivendra Singh Rawat government till 2021. The victim had been employed as a receptionist at the resort for about 20 days before she was killed, allegedly after sexual assault. Her murder set off protests throughout the state, prompting the state government to set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Poll
What do you believe should be the focus for lawmakers after this case?
Strengthening women's safety laws
Improving investigation and prosecution process
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Col Qureshi, Wg Cdr Vyomika to be facesof BJP's campaign on 11 yrs of Modi govt
Lucknow: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor , will be the faces of an ambitious women-centric campaign scheduled to be rolled out by the BJP on the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led govt on June 9. The BJP has asked its minority wing to mobilise its cadres to organise "chaupals" highlighting Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as "role models" for women, particularly from minority communities. BJP's Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui told TOI thay the campaign would be carried out around minority institutions, mosques, dargahs, gurudwaras and churches situated in all organisational divisions across the country. The first chaupal is proposed to be organised in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh — the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019. "The idea is to mobilise women and make them feel empowered," Siddiqui said, stressing that the campaign will aim to encourage women to join the NCC and Agniveer Scheme. "Military training can come in handy in every possible way for women in everyday lives or dealing with domestic violence," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Political experts said that the selection of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as the face of a women-centric campaign by the BJP marks a strategic move that seeks to blend military valour, national pride and gender empowerment into a powerful political narrative. An analyst said that women-centric policies and empowerment become a key pillar in showcasing governance successes. In fact, in the recent elections, women emerged as critical swing voters, especially in politically crucial states like Uttar Pradesh. Colonel Qureshi, who addressed the media a day after India's 'Operation Sindoor' to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill 'Exercise Force 18' held in Pune and involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and a first-generation military officer. Sources said the BJP's campaign will also be designed to consolidate women's support by highlighting schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and the women's reservation bill. Siddiqui said the campaign will be further widened to reach out to the minority communities and apprise them of the key welfare measures initiated by the Modi govt. Key schemes proposed to be highlighted in the process include PM Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Scheme, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which benefited all sections, including Muslims. He added that the party would also distribute copies of the Constitution among the minority community, making them aware of their rights, besides preventing them from getting swayed by "malicious narratives" peddled by the opposition parties. Experts highlight that the campaign attains much significance in light of sustained criticism faced by the BJP over the perceived alienation of minorities, primarily Muslims. Sources said the saffron outfit desperately seeks to reframe its relationship with minorities through development-centric messaging rather than ideologically. Lucknow: Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who led India's press briefings on Operation Sindoor, will be the faces of an ambitious women-centric campaign scheduled to be rolled out by the BJP on the completion of 11 years of the Narendra Modi-led govt on June 9. The BJP has asked its minority wing to mobilise its cadres to organise "chaupals" highlighting Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as "role models" for women, particularly from minority communities. BJP's Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui told TOI thay the campaign would be carried out around minority institutions, mosques, dargahs, gurudwaras and churches situated in all organisational divisions across the country. The first chaupal is proposed to be organised in Delhi's Shaheen Bagh — the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2019. "The idea is to mobilise women and make them feel empowered," Siddiqui said, stressing that the campaign will aim to encourage women to join the NCC and Agniveer Scheme. "Military training can come in handy in every possible way for women in everyday lives or dealing with domestic violence," he said. Political experts said that the selection of Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh as the face of a women-centric campaign by the BJP marks a strategic move that seeks to blend military valour, national pride and gender empowerment into a powerful political narrative. An analyst said that women-centric policies and empowerment become a key pillar in showcasing governance successes. In fact, in the recent elections, women emerged as critical swing voters, especially in politically crucial states like Uttar Pradesh. Colonel Qureshi, who addressed the media a day after India's 'Operation Sindoor' to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, is a highly decorated officer in the Indian Army's Corps of Signals. Born in Gujarat, she made history as the first woman officer to lead an Indian Army contingent at a multinational military drill 'Exercise Force 18' held in Pune and involving 18 ASEAN Plus nations. She was also the only female contingent commander in the event. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who co-led the media briefing on Operation Sindoor, is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force and a first-generation military officer. Sources said the BJP's campaign will also be designed to consolidate women's support by highlighting schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and the women's reservation bill. Siddiqui said the campaign will be further widened to reach out to the minority communities and apprise them of the key welfare measures initiated by the Modi govt. Key schemes proposed to be highlighted in the process include PM Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan Scheme, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which benefited all sections, including Muslims. He added that the party would also distribute copies of the Constitution among the minority community, making them aware of their rights, besides preventing them from getting swayed by "malicious narratives" peddled by the opposition parties. Experts highlight that the campaign attains much significance in light of sustained criticism faced by the BJP over the perceived alienation of minorities, primarily Muslims. Sources said the saffron outfit desperately seeks to reframe its relationship with minorities through development-centric messaging rather than ideologically.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Cong rally slams BJP over remarks by 2 MP ministers on Army
Jabalpur: A 'Jai Hind Sabha' organised by the Congress at the Shaheed Memorial here on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over its two ministers' controversial remarks against the Army and its officer Col Sofiya Qureshi. Ex-servicemen gathered at the rally threatened to launch a statewide protest if action is not taken against the ministers. Addressing the gathering, Maj Gen Shyam Lal Srivastava (retd) said if the BJP state govt does not take action against deputy CM Jagdish Devda and tribal affairs minister Vijay Shah, former soldiers will take to the streets in protest. "There are over 90,000 former soldiers and more than 100,000 active soldiers in the state." He said the statements made by the ministers were "very unfortunate, and the govt should have taken strict action, but it did not". The MP high court took note of Shah's objectionable statement. Former CM Kamal Nath, while addressing the gathering, said the large turnout proves your pride in the Army. "Jabalpur is proud to produce ammunition." He recalled witnessing the Bangladesh War of 1971 and mentioned how Indira Gandhi made strong decisions despite the US pressure. He expressed concern over unemployment, stating that if the youth's future remains bleak, how will the state develop? Another ex-CM Digvijays Singh said those who did not contribute to the country's Independence were now insulting the soldiers who were willing to die for the nation. He noted that despite the Army's respect for PM Narendra Modi, the BJP was not taking action against its leaders. The leader of opposition in the MP assembly, Umang Singhar, said the country's democracy was in danger, with BJP leaders insulting the army. He mentioned that they face mistreatment when they protest, and preparations were underway to "establish a dictatorial regime". Chhattisgarh former CM Bhupesh Baghel and Congress MP unit president Jitu Patwari also slammed the BJP on issues such as the insult to the army, women's safety, and ceasefire violations.
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Goa minister Govind Gaude's sacking delayed as CM Sawant awaits Delhi's nod
Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant 's decision to drop his cabinet colleague Govind Gaude has been delayed by a couple of days as he is waiting for the approval from BJP central leadership. TOI had reported that Sawant and BJP state unit had decided to drop Gaude on Saturday, but had not got the party central leadership nod. Top sources in the party said the decision to drop the art and culture minister has been firmed up and there was no going back on it. 'It is just a formality. We need the central leadership's approval and till late Saturday we did not receive any clearance from Delhi, which has delayed the decision by a couple of days.' The move to drop Gaude from his minister's post came after he made serious allegations of corruption in Sawant-held tribal welfare department. Gaude had made a scathing attack on the tribal welfare department last Sunday and raised questions about the department's administrative efficiency and transparency. His comments were soon amplified by the United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) functionaries, who started coming out in open support of Gaude and threatening govt. Piqued by the poor turnout at a UTAA function, Gaude had launched a diatribe against govt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Florida Launches New Policy for Cars Used Less Than 50 Miles/day Bindright Undo 'A huge amount of taxpayers' money is allotted to the tribal welfare department. If it is unable to organise this programme efficiently, then it only shows a lack of control over the administration,' Gaude had said. Gaude also made allegations about some behind-the-scenes operations. 'The files of the contractors are handled under the Shram Shakti Bhavan building (from where the tribal welfare department functions) on the sly. And they think we don't know of such things,' he had said. A day later, Sawant strongly came down on his cabinet colleague for raising serious charges against him and had said, 'action will be taken against Gaude'. 'A responsible minister should make a responsible statement. He should not make irresponsible statements. Necessary action will be taken as soon as possible,' Sawant had said.
