A nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate serious allegations made by Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya against her husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu, also known as Pappu Girdhari. The case involves allegations of cheating, assault, caste-based abuse, forged signatures and a suspected conspiracy to murder, according to a report published by The420.in on October 17, 2026.
The case has also escalated into a public dispute, with Sahu responding on social media and making corruption allegations against the minister. The claims made by both sides remain allegations and have not been established as facts.
The SIT will be headed by Superintendent of Police (Rural) Jaya Baloni. Other members include Sahaspur Circle Officer Anuj Kumar, Cantt Inspector Santosh Kunwar and City Kotwal K.C. Bhatt, along with five additional members.
FIR Filed Over Alleged Concealment of First Marriage
According to the report, Arya lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Cantt Police Station late Thursday evening. She alleged that Sahu concealed information about his first marriage before marrying her.
The complaint reportedly includes allegations of cheating, criminal conspiracy and assault, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Arya further alleged that she faced physical assault after objecting to her husband's alleged relationships with other women. She also claimed that caste-based slurs were directed at her in front of staff members at her government residence.
These claims will need to be examined by investigators, who will assess the complaint and any supporting evidence before reaching conclusions.
Allegations of Forged Signatures and a Murder Plot
The complaint also raises questions about the alleged use of forged signatures to remove Arya from directorship positions in certain companies.
The minister reportedly alleged that her signatures were fraudulently used in connection with changes to company records. Investigators are expected to examine the relevant documents and determine whether the signatures and transactions were authentic.
Arya also referred to an audio recording that she claimed suggested a conspiracy to kill her. She reportedly expressed concern for the safety of her minor children.
The authenticity and context of the recording have not been established in the supplied report. Its contents, along with the company documents and other evidence, will require careful examination during the investigation.
Husband Responds With Corruption Allegations
Following the registration of the FIR, Sahu reportedly responded through Facebook Live and released three videos presenting his version of the dispute.
During the videos, he accused Arya of corruption and claimed that she had accumulated assets worth ₹210 crore. He also called for an impartial investigation into the alleged wealth.
The supplied report does not provide independently verified evidence supporting the ₹210-crore claim. It should therefore be treated as an allegation made by Sahu, rather than an established finding.
Both parties' claims will require independent scrutiny, and any conclusions should be based on verified evidence and the outcome of the relevant legal processes.
SIT to Examine Documents and Available Evidence
The formation of the nine-member SIT marks the next formal stage in the investigation. According to SP Jaya Baloni, the team will take possession of documents related to the case and proceed with its inquiry.
The investigation is expected to examine the minister's complaint, relevant company records, the audio recording cited in the allegations and other available evidence. Investigators will also need to assess the claims made publicly by Sahu against any supporting material.
The establishment of the SIT does not establish the guilt of either party. Its purpose is to investigate the allegations and determine what the available evidence supports.
What Happens Next?
The case now rests on the findings of the investigating team and any subsequent legal proceedings. The examination of documents, recordings and other evidence may help clarify the allegations, while claims made on social media will need to be assessed separately from verified findings.
Until the investigation establishes the facts, allegations made by either side should not be treated as proven.