Uttarakhand CM Approves CBI Probe into Ankita Bhandari Murder Case

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has sanctioned a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the high-profile murder case of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari. The Congress criticized the BJP government, stating that the decision comes too late and may offer a ‘scapegoat’ path to Ankita’s perpetrators.
The public outcry and protests in Uttarakhand have intensified following controversies, including leaked audio recordings and suspicions of a ‘VIP’ involvement in the case. Ankita Bhandari, employed as a receptionist near Rishikesh, disappeared in September 2022. Her body was later found, leading to the arrest of Pulkit Arya, the resort owner and son of a former BJP leader, along with two others.
In response, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a female IPS officer was formed by the state government, conducting a thorough and prompt investigation. All accused were denied bail throughout the process, culminating in a chargesheet being filed.