Dehradun:The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally registered a fresh case in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder and initiated a comprehensive investigation, with a renewed focus on the alleged VIP angle that has kept the case in the national spotlight.
The move follows the Uttarakhand government’s recommendation, approved earlier this year by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, to hand over the high-profile case to the CBI amid sustained public pressure and persistent demands from Ankita’s family for an impartial probe.
According to officials, the case has been re-registered by the CBI’s Delhi Special Crime Branch (Branch-2), marking the beginning of a fresh investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 19-year-old woman’s death. Ankita’s parents have expressed hope that the CBI inquiry will finally uncover the truth and identify all those involved, including the alleged influential individuals linked to the case.
Background of the Case
Ankita Bhandari, who worked as a receptionist at the Vanantara Resort in Pauri district, was murdered in September 2022. Her body was recovered on September 24, 2022, from the Chilla Canal near Rishikesh, triggering widespread public outrage across Uttarakhand.
The resort owner Pulkit Arya, son of a former BJP leader who was later expelled from the party, was arrested along with two employees and named the prime accused in the case. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Ankita died due to drowning, while also noting four to five ante-mortem injuries on her body. The report ruled out sexual assault.
Allegations of ‘Extra Service’ for VIP Guest
The case took a controversial turn following allegations that Ankita was allegedly pressured to provide “extra services” to a VIP guest at the resort, which she reportedly refused. It is claimed that this refusal led to threats and ultimately her murder. The identity of the alleged VIP has remained undisclosed, intensifying demands for a deeper and independent investigation.
Ankita’s parents have repeatedly asserted that their daughter was killed due to the involvement of a powerful individual and have appealed for justice, stating that only a CBI probe could expose the full conspiracy.
Claims by Actress Add Fuel to Controversy
The controversy was further reignited after actress Urmila Sanawar, who claims to be the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, released audio and video clips on social media alleging the involvement of an influential leader in the case. However, she later failed to provide concrete evidence to support her claims.
Subsequently, cases were registered against Urmila Sanawar in Dehradun and Haridwar. Police have seized her viral audio-video material and are conducting a parallel investigation into the authenticity of her allegations.
Fresh Hope for Justice
With the CBI now actively investigating the case, expectations are high that the agency will probe all angles without prejudice, including the alleged VIP connection. The development has renewed hopes that Ankita Bhandari will finally receive complete justice, more than three years after her tragic death.
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