In a significant development, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has formally recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the high-profile murder case of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. The announcement came on Friday following renewed public protests and a meeting with the victim's grieving parents.
Meeting with Parents Leads to Key Decision
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that his decision was driven by a conversation with Ankita Bhandari's family. After meeting her parents, who are the most affected by this tragedy, we decided to honour their request, Dhami explained. He emphasized that the state government's objective remains unwavering: to deliver justice in a manner that is fair, completely transparent, and sensitive to the family's ordeal.
The case, which dates back to 2022, involves the murder of the young woman who worked at the Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh. The resort was owned by Pulkit Arya, the son of an expelled BJP leader and former minister, Vinod Arya. It was alleged that Bhandari was killed after she refused to provide special services to a VIP guest.
Government's Actions and Court Verdict Recalled
Defending his administration's handling of the case thus far, CM Dhami outlined the steps taken. He recalled that the government acted without any delay and with complete impartiality. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a woman IPS officer was constituted immediately considering the seriousness of the crime, he noted.
The Chief Minister detailed the legal process that followed, stating all the accused were arrested promptly. Due to strong prosecution, they were never granted bail during the investigation and trial. After a thorough SIT probe, charge sheets were filed, and the trial concluded with the court awarding life imprisonment to all three accused in May 2025.
Renewed Protests and the VIP Angle
The recommendation for a CBI probe comes amid a fresh wave of protests demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari. These demonstrations were reignited following the circulation of the alleged VIP's name in public discourse. However, police authorities have consistently denied the involvement of any such person in the matter.
This move to involve the central investigating agency is seen as a direct response to the persistent public demand for a deeper and more independent examination of all angles, including the controversial VIP allegations. The state government's shift to a CBI inquiry aims to reinforce public confidence in the investigative process and ensure that every aspect of the case is scrutinized.
