Dehradun: Uttarakhand’s political climate has taken a heated turn following the release of a new audio clip involving former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore from Jwalapur, Haridwar, and actress Urmila Sunawar. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has hit back at the opposition, demanding a public apology over their handling of the Ankita Bhandari murder case.
CM Dhami’s Strong Response
Speaking to the media at the Forest Headquarters on Rajpur Road, CM Dhami questioned why the opposition, which previously organized protests based on older Rathore-Sunawar audio clips, has remained silent after the emergence of the new recording. He alleged that political and social groups must act responsibly toward society and criticized the opposition for spreading misinformation.
“The previous audio led to nearly 15 days of unrest across the state, disturbing peace and hindering development work,” Dhami said. “Those who misused Ankita Bhandari’s tragedy for short-term political gains should apologize to the people of Uttarakhand.”
The New Audio Clip
Earlier, Sunawar had shared an audio clip of Rathore on social media, which allegedly implicated a senior BJP leader as a VIP suspect in Ankita Bhandari’s murder. This fueled protests across the state, with the Congress demanding a CBI probe.
The latest viral audio reportedly captures Rathore pressuring Sunawar to make statements against the same senior BJP leader. However, the authenticity of this new recording has not been officially confirmed. Navbharat Times Online has not verified the content of any viral audio or video in this matter.
Ankita Bhandari Memorial Initiative
In a significant move, CM Dhami announced that the State Nursing College in Dobha (Shrikot), Pauri, will be renamed in memory of Ankita Bhandari. Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar issued the formal order on Thursday, following a meeting between the CM and Ankita’s parents, Virendra Singh Bhandari and Soni Devi.
CBI Investigation Under Consideration
The state government is actively reviewing all aspects of Ankita’s murder case, including the alleged involvement of a VIP. During their meeting with the CM, Ankita’s parents reiterated their demand for a CBI probe. Senior officials are currently examining the matter, and a decision on the investigation is expected soon.
Parents Demand Justice
An emotional Virendra Bhandari stated that the three accused have only received partial punishment, and the alleged VIP has yet to be identified. He stressed that a fair investigation is essential, claiming his daughter was murdered because of VIP involvement. Soni Devi added that the case symbolizes the struggle of daughters seeking employment outside their homes and called for accountability from those responsible.
Protests and Public Response
Under the banner of the Ankita Nyay Yatra Joint Struggle Forum, activists have announced intensified protests. A statewide shutdown is planned on 11 January, and a torch march is scheduled for 10 January. The forum has demanded narco tests for the accused politicians.
At a press briefing, women’s forum coordinator Kamla Pant and youth leader Mohit Dimri accused the government of shielding VIP offenders. BJP leader Ravindra Jugran welcomed CM Dhami’s commitment to ensuring justice for Ankita and emphasized the need for a fair and independent investigation, given the multiple names emerging in the case.
This controversy underscores the ongoing political volatility in Uttarakhand, highlighting the delicate interplay between criminal investigations and state politics.
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