Uttrakhand resort receptionist was killed as she refused to have sex with guests: FB friend
Dehradun (PTI): A Facebook friend of the 19-year-old receptionist, whose body was retrieved from a canal on Saturday, has reportedly said that his friend was killed because she refused to have sex with guests as demanded by the owner of the resort where she worked.
A receptionist at a resort owned by a BJP leader's son, was allegedly killed by the owner and his two other employees.
Before her body was found, she was reported missing by her parents after they could not find her in her room Monday morning.
Reportedly, a friend of hers has now said that she had called him the night she was killed to tell him she was in trouble.
According to reports, the victim had told her friend that the owner and the managers of the resort where she worked were mounting pressure on her to have sex with guests visiting the resort.
After 8.30 pm, her phone went unreachable. When after repeated attempts he could not connect to her, the girl's friend called Pulkit Arya, the resort owner, who said she had gone to her room to sleep.
The next day when he reportedly called Arya's again, his phone too was found switched off. The friend then rang up Ankit, the resort's manager, who said she was in gym.
He then spoke to the resort's Chef who told him he had not seen the girl that day.
Resort's owner Pulkit Arya, its manager and assistant manager were arrested on Friday and sent to a 14-day judicial custody.
Pulkit Arya, the key accused in the case, is a son of Vinod Arya, a BJP leader from Haridwar.
The politician was formerly a chairman of the Uttarakhand Mati Kala Board.
An angry mob attacked the police car when the accused were being taken to a court in Kotdwar on Friday.
The mob smashed the windowpanes of the car and roughed up the three men. Some women, part of the mob, demanded that the accused must be hanged.
Locals in Bhogpur, where the resort is located, too hurled stones at it and broke its window glasses in protest.
In a late night action on Friday, the authorities started demolishing the resort saying it was built illegally.
The girl's body was recovered Saturday morning from the Cheela canal into which she had been pushed by her alleged killers.
A post mortem of her body is currently underway at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh.
Meanwhile, a pickle factory near the resort owned by Arya caught fire on Saturday, raising doubts whether it was an attempt by the murder accused to destory evidence.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered an SIT probe into the killing of the girl and assured that the guilty will be brought to book.
The Congress staged protests in the district headquarters on Saturday decrying the poor safety of women in the state.
PCC president Karan Mahra said the girl had gone missing on September 18 and the FIR was lodged four days later. It shows the state government is not serious in its actions. Women are not safe in Uttarakhand, Mahra said.
"The action being taken by the state government is just an eyewash. The resort has been demolished only partially.
"It may also be an attempt to destroy evidence, Pradesh Congress leader Garima Dhasauni said.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
