Uttarakhand CM recommends CBI probe in Ankita Bhandari case, citing parents’ request

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday said the state government has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the Ankita Bhandari murder case , respecting the request and sentiments of the victim’s parents, even as he maintained that justice had been delivered through due process.

Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at the Vanantara resort in Rishikesh , went missing in September 2022. Her body was later recovered from the Cheela canal. Investigations revealed that she was allegedly pressured to provide “special services” to guests, which she had refused, and was subsequently murdered. The case triggered nationwide outrage, partly due to allegations of sexual exploitation and the political links of the prime accused, Pulkit Arya, son of a former BJP leader.

As public protests intensified at the time, the Uttarakhand government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a woman IPS officer. The SIT arrested all the accused promptly, conducted a detailed probe, and filed charge sheets. During the investigation and trial, none of the accused was granted bail. The trial court later convicted them and awarded life imprisonment.

Dhami said these developments demonstrated that the state government acted swiftly, impartially and sensitively. “From the very beginning, our objective has been to ensure justice in a fair and transparent manner. Ankita was not just a victim; she was our sister and daughter,” he said.

The Chief Minister also referred to recent FIRs registered over certain audio clips circulating on social media, saying investigations into those matters were ongoing and that no evidence would be ignored.

He said he recently met Ankita Bhandari’s parents, who reiterated their demand for a CBI probe, citing lingering doubts and seeking complete closure. “We felt it was important to hear them. Respecting their sentiments, the government has decided to recommend a CBI investigation,” Dhami said.

A CBI inquiry, legal experts note, does not automatically invalidate the SIT’s findings or the court’s verdict but may re-examine evidence, probe fresh leads, or investigate allegations of a wider conspiracy. While such a move could help restore public confidence and address unresolved questions, it may also prolong the legal process.

The state government, however, said it remains firmly committed to ensuring justice and transparency in the case, reiterating that accountability would be upheld at every stage.