Congress MLA Sumit Hridayesh on Wednesday alleged that a gang was hacking the phones of politicians, including his, and their families to gain political leverage. He demanded action and threatened to immolate himself during the upcoming state Assembly session in Gairsain if the matter was not addressed.
Hridayesh said the alleged phone tapping could expose private conversations and be used to plan political moves during elections. Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat described the allegations as extremely concerning and urged the MLA to face the situation with patience, courage and composure.
Addressing a press conference in Haldwani, Hridayesh alleged that the gang was tapping the phones of Congress leaders, including Rawat and the party’s election campaign committee chairman, Pritam Singh.
He said that if details of their conversations became known, “tactical moves” could be orchestrated against them during elections.
Hridayesh accused two people, to whom he had briefly handed over his phone, of being involved in the alleged tapping. He said he had filed a formal police complaint against them on April 24 last year, but no action had been taken. He did not disclose the identities of the alleged hackers.
The MLA also expressed concern about the safety of his wife and 15-year-old daughter, claiming that the gang was operating without fear.
“I will not merely attempt self-immolation; I will actually do it, come what may. I will do it not for myself, but for democracy. If there is no privacy, what is left?” he said.
Asked whether the state government had any role in the matter, Hridayesh said he did not believe it engaged in such activities. “I have a personal relationship with the Chief Minister, and I consider him a good person,” he said.
Reacting to the allegations, Rawat said on social media, “He has expressed apprehension regarding the kind of uncomfortable and challenging situations that organised gangs can create for individuals active in public life. He has also pointed towards the patronage such gangs receive. I am deeply concerned after hearing the detailed account of his press conference.”
Rawat urged Hridayesh to remain patient and composed. “We all stand with him during this difficult time and will continue to stand by him in every circumstance,” he said.
Hridayesh has sought action over the alleged hacking of politicians’ phones, citing an earlier police complaint and concerns about his family’s safety, while Rawat has expressed support and called the allegations deeply concerning.
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