Haridwar, [26.09.2024] – BJP leader and former MLA Suresh Rathore has found himself in the middle of a scandal after several videos showing him with actress Urmila Sanawar surfaced online. The videos, which have gone viral on social media, show Rathore and Sanawar dancing and spending time together, leading to widespread speculation about their relationship. Sanawar, who hails from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has publicly claimed to be Rathore’s second wife, a claim that has shocked many in political circles.
The former MLA from Haridwar’s Jwalapur constituency has, however, dismissed her claims, accusing Sanawar of blackmail. According to Rathore, the actress has been demanding ₹25 lakh in exchange for her silence. He alleges that he has already paid her ₹16 lakh but says the demands for money continued. As a result, Rathore has filed a formal complaint with the police, accusing Sanawar of extortion.
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The Allegations and Rathore’s Defense
Rathore, who has held multiple positions within the BJP, including the role of State President for the Scheduled Caste Morcha, claims that his association with Sanawar began two years ago. He says he first met her when she sought his help regarding domestic issues with her then-husband. Sanawar had reportedly told Rathore that she was being mistreated by her husband and was in the process of getting a divorce.
However, Rathore now alleges that what started as a plea for help turned into a case of blackmail. He claims that Sanawar began to exploit their interactions, using videos and other personal material to extort money from him. The former MLA says he initially complied with her demands to protect his reputation but was left with no choice but to take legal action when the situation spiraled out of control.
In his complaint to the police, Rathore stated that he transferred ₹7 lakh to Sanawar through online payments and handed over another ₹9 lakh in cash. Despite this, he claims the blackmail continued, with Sanawar threatening to file false legal cases against him if he didn’t pay her the full ₹25 lakh.
The Viral Videos
At the heart of the controversy are the videos that Sanawar has posted on social media, particularly on Instagram. These clips show Rathore and Sanawar in what appear to be intimate moments, dancing and singing together. The videos have raised eyebrows, especially since Rathore is a well-known political figure.
Sanawar, who calls herself Rathore’s second wife, has also added Rathore’s last name to her social media profiles, further fueling speculation about the nature of their relationship. In some of the videos, she addresses Rathore as her husband, a claim Rathore has strongly denied.
Rathore has attempted to downplay the videos, initially claiming they were part of a film project. However, the fact that these videos were uploaded long before the controversy erupted has led many to question the authenticity of his defense. Critics have also pointed out that if Rathore was being blackmailed, he should have taken legal action earlier.
Police Investigation Underway
The Jwalapur police have registered a case against Urmila Sanawar following Rathore’s complaint. According to Pradeep Bisht, the officer in charge of the case, the police are investigating both Rathore’s blackmail allegations and Sanawar’s claims about their relationship. The investigation will look into the financial transactions Rathore mentioned as well as the veracity of the videos that have gone viral.
Bisht confirmed that Sanawar has been charged with blackmail and other offenses, and the case will now move forward as more evidence is gathered. The videos in question will also form a critical part of the investigation, as authorities seek to determine whether Sanawar’s actions constitute blackmail or if there is more to the story.
Past Controversies
This is not the first time Suresh Rathore has been caught in controversy. He was previously accused of rape by a BJP worker while he was still serving as an MLA. At the time, Rathore had filed a counter-complaint, accusing the woman and her husband of attempting to blackmail him. He was arrested in connection with that case but was later released on bail. After his release, the woman filed another case against him, further complicating his legal troubles.
The latest controversy involving Urmila Sanawar has once again raised questions about Rathore’s conduct, with critics pointing to a pattern of scandals surrounding the former MLA. However, Rathore maintains that he is the victim of a smear campaign and is confident that the legal process will clear his name.
Lingering Questions
As the investigation unfolds, there are several unanswered questions. Why did Rathore wait so long to file a complaint if Sanawar was blackmailing him? Why did he participate in the videos if he was being coerced? And why did Sanawar add his last name to her social media profiles, openly referring to him as her husband?
These questions have sparked widespread debate, not just in Haridwar but across the political landscape in Uttarakhand. With both sides presenting conflicting narratives, it remains to be seen how the case will develop and whether Rathore will emerge unscathed from yet another public controversy.
For now, all eyes are on the police investigation as the public awaits more details. Whether this will mark the end of Rathore’s political career or merely be another scandal in a long line of controversies remains to be seen.