Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's recommendation for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari has been met with a critical demand from the victim's father. Virender Bhandari insists the investigation must specifically target the alleged 'VIP angle' and go beyond established facts, expressing concern that this crucial aspect was omitted from the government's official statement.
Father's Dissatisfaction and Core Demands
While the CM's office stated the probe was approved 'respecting the request and sentiments of the parents', Virender Bhandari revealed a disconnect. He told The Indian Express that during their meeting, he had explicitly sought a probe into the VIP connection and demanded it be conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge. 'I got a call from the secretariat this evening, and it does not sit well with me that they have failed to point out the question of VIP,' he stated.
Bhandari described the meeting with the Chief Minister as unsettling, alleging he was given a pre-written letter to sign. 'I stated clearly that the probe should be centred around the motive for the murder and regarding the VIP. He must have thought we were illiterate,' he said. He questioned the logic of a fresh probe covering all aspects, noting the High Court had already upheld the life sentences for the convicted main accused—resort manager Pulkit Arya (son of ex-BJP leader Vinod Arya) and his two associates. 'Why would they probe it again? I think we should go ahead with the protests until all these demands are met,' he asserted.
Political Spark and Widespread Protests
The push for a CBI investigation gained intense momentum after an audio clip surfaced in December 2025. Urmila Sanawar, claiming to be former MLA Suresh Rathore's wife, released a recording of a purported conversation where Rathore allegedly identified the 'VIP' as a senior BJP leader. This revelation triggered widespread protests, candlelight vigils, and a planned strike across Uttarakhand.
Congress workers also held symbolic funeral processions demanding a CBI inquiry. The public pressure culminated in CM Dhami's announcement on Friday, January 9, 2026. The Chief Minister defended the state government's initial handling, citing the immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a woman IPS officer and emphasizing that none of the accused got bail during the trial.
Calls for Scrutiny of Earlier Investigation
Activists and the victim's family have raised serious doubts about the SIT's work. Justice For Ankita Committee convenor Mukesh Semwal alleged the SIT was 'under pressure to safeguard the VIP'. He demanded the CBI also investigate the SIT's functioning, accusing it of weakening the case. Ankita's mother, Soni Devi, an anganwadi worker, echoed the sentiment, stating they had pointed out loopholes in the SIT probe and had been demanding a central agency investigation for three years.
Ankita Bhandari, who worked as a receptionist at Rishikesh's Vanantara resort, was murdered in September 2022, less than a month after joining. Her body was recovered from a canal six days after she was reported missing. While the convicts are serving life terms, the unresolved questions about potential high-profile involvement continue to fuel public anger and demand for a more expansive probe.
