• Source:JND

Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, on Friday recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the Ankita Bhandari case, following a request from her parents amid state-wide protests. Dhami, while announcing the government's decision, said the case was recommended to the CBI, respecting the sentiments of the parents of the victim.

"Respecting the request and sentiments of the parents of the late Ankita Bhandari, has recommended that the case be investigated by the CBI. The government’s objective from the beginning has been and will continue to be to ensure justice in a fair, transparent, and sensitive manner," he said, while speaking to reporters.

Upon learning of this extremely tragic and heartbreaking incident involving the late Ankita Bhandari, the state government acted immediately with full sensitivity and impartiality, the chief minister said, adding that, considering the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was promptly constituted under the leadership of a senior female IPS officer.

ALSO READ: Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: Uttarakhand Police Arrests Journalist Accused Of Sowing Distrust Against Govt

"All accused in the case were quickly arrested, and the state government ensured effective and robust legal advocacy, resulting in none of the accused being granted bail during the investigation or trial. Following a thorough SIT investigation, a charge sheet was filed against the accused, and upon completion of proceedings in the lower court, they were sentenced to life imprisonment," he added.

What Prompted CM To Recommend For CBI Probe

The decision comes amid state-wide protests led by the opposition, Congress, and women's rights activists. In the last couple of days, the stir intensified, demanding a central probe agency-led investigation. The demand for a CBI probe into the 2022 killing has gathered pace ever since actress Urmila Sanawar claimed the involvement of a 'VIP' in the murder.  

ALSO READ: Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: Congress Stages State-Wide Protests In Uttarakhand; Protesters Enter Dehradun DM's Office

Also, the parents of Ankita Bhandari urged CM Dhami for a CBI probe into the murder of their daughter. Ankita's father, Virendra Singh Bhandari, and mother, Soni Devi, met Dhami on Wednesday night and handed him a letter demanding an enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the case under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge.

ALSO READ: Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: BJP's Dushyant Gautam Files Rs 2 Cr Defamation Suit Against AAP, Congress, 7 Others

In the letter, Ankita's father said that his daughter was murdered because of a 'VIP' whose identity is still unknown. He wrote, "I appeal to the government to get this case investigated by the CBI under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge to apprehend the VIP." After the meeting, Dhami said, "I have listened to them. A decision will be taken soon after considering their concerns."

Earlier, in 2022, Ankita, 19, a receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Pauri, was murdered by resort owner Pulkit Arya and two of his employees. All three were sentenced to life imprisonment in the case. 

Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: 


Also In News