In a significant development, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has officially recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the high-profile 2022 murder case of a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort in Rishikesh. The move comes amidst intense public pressure and allegations surrounding the involvement of an unidentified 'mystery VIP'.
Mounting Pressure Leads to Government Action
The decision for a central agency probe was announced by CM Dhami on Friday. It followed days of sustained protests by various civic groups and the opposition Congress party. The chief minister's recommendation also came just two days after he met with the grieving parents of the victim. During the meeting, the parents handed him a formal letter demanding a CBI investigation under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge.
In the letter, the girl's father made a grave allegation, stating his daughter was murdered because of a 'VIP' whose identity remains shrouded in mystery. A day after the meeting, the family reiterated their demand, vowing they "won't rest" until they "find out about the VIP."
A Promise of Transparent Justice
Announcing the government's stance, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized his administration's commitment to a fair and sensitive investigation. "From the very beginning, our aim has been to ensure justice in a fair, transparent and sensitive manner, and that commitment will continue," Dhami stated. He added, "We had assured the victim's parents that the line of probe they suggested would be followed."
The case took a dramatic political turn last month when audio and video clips, allegedly released by Haridwar-based actor Urmila Sanawar, began circulating. In these clips, former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore is purportedly heard telling Sanawar about a 'VIP', whom he alleged was BJP national general secretary Dushyant Gautam. This revelation added fuel to the fire, intensifying calls for an impartial probe.
Political Reactions and the Road Ahead
The recommendation for a CBI probe has drawn sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. State Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal claimed the move as a victory for public pressure and his party. "By recommending a CBI probe, the government has accepted there were faults in the initial probe. This is a win for the people and Congress," Godiyal said. He further demanded that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court or high court judge.
On the other hand, State BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt welcomed the Chief Minister's decision. He described it as being in line with public sentiment and expressed confidence that it would "expose the opposition's lies." The resort where the tragic incident occurred in 2022 is owned by the son of a BJP functionary, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
With the CBI inquiry now recommended, all eyes are on the central agency and the subsequent steps in the quest for justice for the young victim and her family. The probe is expected to focus intensely on uncovering the truth behind the alleged 'mystery VIP' connection.
