In a significant development surrounding the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case, a senior police officer in Uttarakhand has categorically denied the involvement of any VIP, even as opposition leaders intensify their demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry.
Police Investigation Finds No VIP Link
Haridwar Superintendent of Police (Rural) Shekhar Suyal addressed the media on Saturday, making a firm assertion. He stated that no evidence of a "VIP" being involved has surfaced during the police investigation. Suyal specifically referred to an individual named Dharmendra Kumar, also known as Pradhan from Noida, who had been mentioned in chats and during questioning.
"He was a friend of Ankita and not a VIP," Suyal clarified. The SP elaborated that the investigation revealed Kumar had visited the area for work two days prior to the murder and had only stopped briefly at the Vanantra Resort for a meal. This account was reportedly corroborated by the resort's records and statements from its staff.
Political Allegations and Counter-Claims
The statement from the police comes amidst a flurry of allegations from Urmila Sanawar, who claims to be the wife of expelled BJP leader and former MLA Suresh Rathore. Sanawar recently released several video and audio recordings. In these, she alleges that the 'VIP' connected to the case is a person referred to as "Gattu," whom she later identified as a top BJP leader in Uttarakhand.
Suresh Rathore has vehemently denied these claims. He asserted that his voice in the circulated audio clips was generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and that the material was being spread widely to damage his political reputation. Rathore was expelled from the Bharatiya Janata Party prior to these allegations.
Mounting Pressure for a CBI Investigation
The new allegations have fueled demands from opposition parties for a probe by the central investigating agency. Leaders have been pressing for a CBI investigation to ensure a transparent and impartial examination of all claims, including those about potential high-profile connections.
Responding to the growing pressure, the Uttarakhand government stated on Friday that it is prepared for any investigation into the case, provided credible evidence is presented. The case pertains to the murder of Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at a resort in Pauri district, on September 18, 2022.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) initially probed the case. The court subsequently found resort owner Pulkit Arya—the son of a BJP leader—and two others guilty, sentencing all three to life imprisonment. Despite the convictions, the recent allegations have brought the case back into the political spotlight, with calls for a deeper probe into wider conspiracies.
