Minister's Husband Girdhari Pappu Underground Amid 800-Crore Project Row
Husband of Uttarakhand Minister Rekha Arya, Girdhari Pappu, is underground facing 39 criminal cases and a massive real estate dispute.
A high-profile legal storm has engulfed Girdhari Pappu, the husband of Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Rekha Arya. The situation has escalated into a full-blown crisis as Pappu has reportedly gone underground following the registration of a criminal case against him in Dehradun on October 15, 2026. This latest legal battle is just the tip of the iceberg, as he is currently facing a staggering 39 separate criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions.
The Omaxe Township Controversy
At the heart of the current turmoil is a massive real estate venture: the Omaxe township project. Located in Lalpur-Adhlakiya along the Delhi-Lucknow highway in Bareilly, this ambitious development spans 71.78 acres with an estimated project cost of Rs 800 crore.
The project is being spearheaded by a consortium of nine partners. However, official records reveal a direct link to the Minister's family, showing that 1.848 acres (approximately 0.7477 hectares) of the land are registered in the names of Girdhari Pappu and his nephew, Satendra Rathore.
Family Feud and Serious Allegations
In a shocking turn of events, the conflict has split the household. Minister Rekha Arya has launched a scathing legal attack on her own husband. She has leveled grave allegations against Pappu, including:
- Fraud and harassment.
- Violations under the SC/ST Act.
- Illegal attempts to forcibly remove her from the directorship of the company.
Investigation and the Manhunt
The legal machinery is now moving rapidly. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Dehradun has taken charge of the inquiry and has already traveled to Bareilly to secure essential documents. With Pappu missing, authorities are increasingly concerned that he may have crossed the border into Nepal. To prevent his escape, officials are reportedly in the process of preparing a lookout circular.
Regulatory Hurdles and Illegal Construction
The Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) has stepped in to ensure that the massive township project does not proceed haphazardly. The BDA has made it clear that project maps will only be issued after:
- Formal government approval is obtained.
- A rigorous verification of land ownership documents is completed.
- The backgrounds of all nine partners involved in the consortium are thoroughly vetted.
Furthermore, the BDA's scrutiny has extended to the couple's personal properties. An inspection has been initiated for a 3-acre farmhouse in Lalpur associated with Rekha Arya and Girdhari Pappu, which was allegedly constructed without any approved maps.