The investigation into the shocking murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari has taken a significant new turn. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, following mounting public pressure and fresh allegations. This development comes as the state's Special Investigation Team (SIT) intensifies its scrutiny, recently subjecting former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Suresh Rathore to six hours of questioning.
Intense SIT Grilling and Political Repercussions
The SIT's interrogation of Suresh Rathore, who represented the Lansdowne constituency, marks a critical phase in the inquiry. Rathore was summoned and questioned for over six hours at the SIT office in Kotdwar. This session was prompted by new claims and evidence that suggested a need for deeper examination of his potential links or knowledge related to the crime. The former legislator's questioning underscores the investigation's expanding scope beyond the primary accused.
Ankita Bhandari was employed at the Vanantara resort in Pauri Garhwal district, owned by Pulkit Arya, the son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya. She was reported missing in September 2022, leading to the discovery of her body from the Chilla canal in Rishikesh. The main accused, Pulkit Arya and his associates Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar, were arrested and are currently in judicial custody. The case had initially sparked outrage over issues of power, corruption, and the safety of women.
Chief Minister's Decisive Move for a CBI Probe
Amid persistent demands for a central agency investigation to ensure transparency and impartiality, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made a crucial announcement. He stated that the state government has decided to recommend a comprehensive CBI inquiry into the entire matter. "The state government is recommending a CBI probe into the entire case," CM Dhami declared, emphasizing his administration's commitment to delivering complete justice.
This decision is seen as a direct response to allegations of potential political interference or attempts to shield influential figures. The victim's family and social activists have long argued that a CBI investigation is necessary to uncover any larger conspiracy or network that might be involved. The Uttarakhand government's move aims to restore public trust and ensure that the probe leaves no stone unturned.
Case Timeline and Ongoing Judicial Process
The case has followed a complex judicial path since the crime came to light. The key events include:
- September 2022: Ankita Bhandari goes missing; her body is later recovered.
- October 2022: The main accused are arrested and charged.
- Ongoing: The trial proceeds in a fast-track court in Pauri.
- January 2023: Fresh allegations surface, leading to the questioning of former MLA Suresh Rathore and the subsequent order for a CBI probe.
The SIT, formed by the state government, continues its parallel investigation. The team is meticulously examining all new leads and evidence that emerge. The questioning of a former MLA, a figure with political stature, indicates the probe's seriousness and its willingness to follow the evidence wherever it may lead.
The order for a CBI investigation represents a pivotal moment in the quest for justice for Ankita Bhandari. It signals a recognition of the case's sensitivity and the need for an inquiry perceived as beyond reproach. As the CBI takes over, the nation's eyes remain fixed on Uttarakhand, awaiting answers and accountability in a case that has become a symbol of the fight against crime and impunity.
