- By Sahelee Rakshit
- Wed, 06 Mar 2024 02:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a new development amid the Ankita Bhandari murder case, the Uttarakhand Police have arrested the operator of a news portal, Ashutosh Negi, for allegedly trying to sow distrust among people towards the government and the police, the state police said.
According to Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar, Negi was apprehended by Pauri Garhwal Police for attempting to sow discord among citizens in connection with the September 2022 murder of Bhandari, a 19-year-old who was employed as a receptionist at a Rishikesh resort.
The Special Investigation Team looking into the matter filed a charge sheet, according to the Uttarakhand DG, and the case is currently pending in court. The top police official claimed that provocative statements were being made daily to foster mistrust towards both the government and the police, even though the case is still pending trial.
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Negi was already charged under the SC/ST Act, and after he fought with police during his arrest, a new case was opened against him. According to DGP Kumar, Negi was taken into custody on March 5.
"Ashutosh Negi who is arrested in this case was creating mischief without any evidence. His involvement in the case is also being investigated. The role of policemen in instigating rumours is also being ascertained. If found guilty in the investigation strict action will be taken against such policemen also," the Uttarakhand Director General of Police said.
The DGP gave the assurance that the Uttarakhand Police has total authority to conduct an unbiased and fearless investigation into the murder case on behalf of the state government. He claimed that the Chief Minister was fully in favour of the investigation and that there was no outside pressure at all.
"The Uttarakhand Police remains committed to ensuring justice for Ankita Bhandari and will continue its efforts until justice is served," the DGP said.
"Whoever is vaguely blaming the government on the arrest of Ashutosh Negi, they are either being carried away by their emotions or they have an agenda of their own. During the investigation of the Ankita Bhandari murder case, Uttarakhand Police was under no pressure whatsoever. We got the full support of the government and the Chief Minister. State Police has carried out an unbiased and bold investigation," the DGP added.
On September 24, Ankita Bhandari's body was found in Rishikesh's Chilla Canal. Before the authorities discovered her body, she had been listed as missing for at least six days. The case is being looked into by a SIT led by Deputy Inspector General of Police P Renuka Devi.