In a significant development, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a decisive step by recommending a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the high-profile murder case of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. The move comes amidst mounting public pressure and demands for a transparent investigation into the alleged involvement of influential individuals.
Chief Minister's Decisive Action
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the recommendation for a CBI inquiry after a meeting with the victim's grieving family in Dehradun. The family had been vociferously demanding a probe by the central agency, expressing a lack of faith in the ongoing investigation by the state police. Dhami assured the family that the state government stands firmly with them in their quest for justice and will ensure the harshest punishment for the culprits.
The case, which has sent shockwaves across the state and the nation, involves the alleged murder of Ankita Bhandari, who worked at the Vanantara Resort in Rishikesh. The prime accused in the case is Pulkit Arya, the son of a former BJP leader from Haridwar, along with his two associates, Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar.
Chronology of the Crime and Investigation
The horrifying incident came to light in September 2022. Ankita Bhandari was reported missing, leading to a search operation. The investigation took a grim turn when her body was recovered from the Chilla canal near Rishikesh on September 24, 2022. The post-mortem report confirmed death by drowning.
Initial investigations by the Uttarakhand Police revealed a disturbing sequence of events. It is alleged that Pulkit Arya, the owner of the resort, along with his associates, murdered Ankita after a dispute. The police claim the motive was linked to Ankita's refusal to provide 'extra services' to guests at the resort. The accused were swiftly arrested by the state police, and the resort was subsequently demolished by the authorities on the orders of CM Dhami, citing illegal construction.
The case is currently being tried in a fast-track court in Uttarakhand. The prosecution has presented a chargesheet, and the trial is underway. However, the victim's family and the opposition have raised serious questions about the possibility of a cover-up, given the political connections of the main accused. This persistent demand is what ultimately led to the Chief Minister's recommendation for a CBI investigation.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The recommendation for a CBI probe marks a critical juncture in this emotionally charged case. It aims to address the widespread perception that a central agency might conduct a more impartial and far-reaching investigation. The CBI's entry is expected to re-examine all evidence, interrogate the accused afresh, and explore any potential larger conspiracy or external pressure that may have influenced the case.
The state government's move is also seen as a response to placate public anger and restore faith in the judicial process. The case had triggered massive protests across Uttarakhand, with citizens and political activists demanding capital punishment for the killers. The recommendation now awaits formal approval and notification from the central government, after which the CBI will take over the case files from the Uttarakhand Police.
As the legal process seeks a new direction, the nation's eyes remain fixed on Uttarakhand, awaiting a conclusive and just outcome for Ankita Bhandari. The CBI probe represents a renewed hope for her family that all aspects of the crime will be uncovered and that powerful influences will not derail the pursuit of justice.
