Who Is Urmila Rathore? Controversy Erupts Over Claims in Ankita Bhandari Case, Supreme Court Steps In

Dehradun: The Ankita Bhandari murder case has once again come into sharp focus in Uttarakhand following claims made by actress Urmila Sanawar, also known as Urmila Rathore, regarding the alleged involvement of a “VIP” in the case. Her statements have triggered political and legal controversy, prompting questioning by the Dehradun police and intervention by the Supreme Court.

Police officials from Nehru Colony and Dalanwala police stations questioned Urmila Sanawar at length over her claims, viral audio clips circulated on social media, and the basis of her allegations related to the Ankita Bhandari case. Her statements were recorded on audio and video. According to sources, two senior police officers questioned her for nearly two hours late Tuesday night, in the presence of an IPS officer and a woman Additional Superintendent of Police.

Supreme Court Orders Removal of Allegedly Defamatory Content

Meanwhile, during the hearing of a petition filed by a BJP leader, the Supreme Court directed Urmila Sanawar, along with Congress, AAP and other social media users, to remove within 24 hours videos and posts containing allegations deemed defamatory. The apex court’s order has added a legal dimension to the controversy surrounding her claims.

SIT and Senior Officers Join Probe

On Wednesday, senior police officials and members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Ankita Bhandari murder case reached a confidential location on Sahastradhara Road to further examine the matter. Investigators are assessing the authenticity of the evidence repeatedly cited by Urmila on social media and the factual basis of her claims about a “VIP” connection.

Who Is Urmila Sanawar?

Urmila Sanawar, who also uses the name Urmila Rathore, is an actress originally from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. She has publicly claimed to be the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, a claim that came into the limelight in 2024 after a video showing Rathore with her went viral on social media.

Following the emergence of this video, a dispute surfaced involving Aarti Gaur, former district panchayat chairperson from Pauri and the wife of Suresh Rathore. Rathore has held several key positions in the BJP, including State President of the Scheduled Caste Morcha, National General Secretary of the Morcha, and Vice-Chairman of the Scheduled Caste–Scheduled Tribe Commission on two occasions. Urmila’s statements have since generated significant political uproar.

Fresh Audio Clip Surfaces

After Urmila arrived in Dehradun and came in contact with the police, a new audio clip allegedly featuring a conversation between her and Suresh Rathore surfaced on social media. The clip is claimed to suggest an attempt to defame a senior BJP leader. The development has intensified political and social debate.

Urmila has submitted audio recordings of her conversations with Rathore to the police. Investigators have said these clips will be sent for forensic examination to verify their authenticity.

Security Sought Amid Rising Tensions

Following her statement to the police, Urmila approached the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Dehradun, seeking security, citing threats and the sensitive nature of the case. SSP Ajay Singh has directed the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) to submit a detailed report on the matter.

Police Continue Evidence Collection

Swami Darshan Bharti, who accompanied Urmila to Dehradun, stated that police are collecting evidence and conducting inquiries as required. He alleged that Suresh Rathore had pressured Urmila to make statements against a senior BJP leader, while denying any conspiracy behind the timing of the audio clips.

He also questioned why the Vanantara Resort, where Ankita Bhandari was employed and where the conspiracy leading to her murder was allegedly hatched, has not yet been demolished.

Relief for Former BJP MLA

In a parallel development, former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore received significant relief from the Uttarakhand High Court. Justice Ashish Naitani, while hearing cases related to the alleged circulation of audio and video clips connected to the Ankita Bhandari case, stayed Rathore’s arrest in two additional cases registered in Haridwar and Dehradun. Similar relief has also been extended in cases involving Urmila Sanawar.