In a significant development, the Uttarakhand government has formally recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari. This move came hours before a new First Information Report (FIR) was registered in Dehradun, targeting unidentified 'VIP' individuals allegedly involved in the case.
Chief Minister's Office Announces CBI Investigation
On Friday, a communication from the Chief Minister's Office stated that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the recommendation for a CBI investigation, respecting the request and sentiments of Ankita Bhandari's parents. The young receptionist was murdered in September 2022 while working at the Vanantara resort in Rishikesh.
Her body was recovered from the Chilla canal six days after she went missing. The prime accused, Pulkit Arya, is the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya and was the manager of the resort where Ankita worked for less than a month.
New FIR Filed Against Unnamed 'VIPs'
Late on Friday, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi, a Dehradun-based environmentalist, filed a complaint at the Vasant Vihar police station. The FIR alleges the involvement of certain 'VIP' individuals, based on audio and video clips circulating on social media.
Dr. Joshi, who runs the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation, argued in his complaint that despite the conviction of the main accused, claims persist that evidence was concealed or destroyed. He called for a separate, independent, and impartial investigation into the role of these unidentified VIPs to ensure complete justice.
Political Reactions and Legal Questions
The new FIR has ignited a political firestorm and raised legal questions. Congress leader Suryakant Dhasmana accused the BJP government of taking erratic actions. He suggested that the FIR by Dr. Joshi, a figure seen as pro-government, was a step to shield the alleged VIPs, even as a CBI probe was recommended.
Dhasmana pointed out that the original case, investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a woman officer, had already resulted in the conviction of three accused in a Kotdwar sessions court. He stated there was no legal need for a new FIR, as the CBI could seek permission from the Kotdwar court to re-investigate the original case if the Centre accepts the state's recommendation.
Echoing these concerns, CPI(ML) state secretary Indresh Maikhuri questioned why the FIR was not filed by Ankita's family. He expressed suspicion over the government's intentions, noting Dr. Joshi's previous lack of involvement in the case.
Police Statement on the Process
Garhwal Inspector General Rajeev Swaroop clarified the procedural steps. He stated that the FIR registered on Saturday has been sent to the Police Headquarters (PHQ). It will then be forwarded to the secretariat and subsequently to the central government to facilitate the CBI investigation.
IG Swaroop defended the police's initial investigation, stating the SIT worked proactively and secured a harsh punishment for the convicts. He attributed the call for a CBI probe to the persistent allegations and rumours circulating after the verdict, which prompted the CM to speak with the victim's parents and act on their demand.
The case continues to grip public attention in Uttarakhand, with the twin developments of a recommended CBI probe and a controversial new FIR ensuring it remains in the spotlight as the quest for justice unfolds.
