The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its probe into the 2016 Uttarakhand sting case by summoning Minister Subodh Uniyal and several political leaders for questioning. A new investigating officer has issued notices through the court, calling various leaders for interrogation. A legislator from Haridwar has already recorded their statement.
The case dates back to 2016, when a political crisis emerged in the then Congress government. A sting video allegedly showed then Chief Minister Harish Rawat engaging in horse-trading to save his government. Another sting reportedly involved Congress MLA Madan Singh Bisht, with claims of former Cabinet Minister Harak Singh Rawat’s participation as well.
It is alleged that both sting operations were conducted by journalist-turned-politician Umesh Kumar. Two years ago, the CBI had sent notices to Harish Rawat, Harak Singh Rawat, Madan Singh Bisht, and Umesh Kumar, asking for their voice samples. Some had complied.
Now, the new investigating officer has summoned several leaders, including Minister Uniyal, on different dates. Uniyal confirmed he was scheduled to appear on Thursday but requested a date extension due to prior commitments. The CBI began probing the matter in 2016 and registered a case in 2019 against former CM Harish Rawat and others. The investigation has been ongoing for six years.
