Ankita Bhandari murder case: CBI probe into VIP angle begins, case filed against unknown person

News Topical, Digital Desk : A major development has emerged regarding the highly controversial Ankita Bhandari murder case in Uttarakhand. The CBI has initiated an investigation on the recommendation of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation. Branch 2 of the CBI's Special Crime Branch has filed a case against unidentified VIPs in Delhi, and the investigation team arrived in Uttarakhand on Monday. This is being seen as a commitment by the state government to pursue justice in every aspect.

In fact, the issue once again came into the spotlight when viral audio and videos surfaced on social media between expelled BJP MLA Suresh Rathore and his alleged wife Urmila Sanawar. Urmila Sanawar had mentioned the role of a VIP in Ankita's murder via Facebook Live. This sparked a political firestorm in the state, and opposition parties and various organizations intensified demands for a CBI investigation.

Government serious about disclosure

The government took this entire incident seriously and took immediate action to remove any doubts or suspicions. On January 9th, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recommended a CBI investigation into the matter. The government has clearly stated that it believes in exposing the truth rather than shielding anyone, and that anyone found guilty in the case, no matter how influential, will be brought to justice.

Three accused have been jailed

It is worth noting that significant judicial action has already been taken in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at Vanantra Resort, was murdered on September 18, 2022, and her body was dumped in the Cheela Shakti Canal. The body was recovered a week later, and after a detailed investigation by the SIT, a nearly 500-page charge sheet was filed. The prosecution produced 97 witnesses in the case, of whom 47 testified in court.

The court sentenced all three accused, including the main accused, Pulkit Arya, the owner of Vanantra Resort, to life imprisonment. Pulkit Arya was convicted of murder, concealment of evidence, molestation, and serious charges under the Immoral Trafficking Act. Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta were also sentenced to life imprisonment. This verdict in itself is proof that the state government and investigating agencies did not slacken at any level in this case.

Questions were raised about VIP

However, questions have long been raised about the alleged VIP who arrived at the resort on the night of the incident. Ankita had called her friend Pushpdeep before the incident and told him that Pulkit Arya was pressuring her to provide "extra service" to a high-profile VIP. This is the point on which the CBI investigation will now focus.

The government maintains that the court secured the conviction based on the available evidence in the first phase, and that new facts and allegations that have now emerged are not being ignored. The recommendation for a CBI investigation reflects the government's desire to get to the bottom of the matter.

The state government will provide full cooperation to the CBI.

The state government has also clarified that it will provide all possible support to the CBI. The investigating agency will operate independently and will take further action based on the facts that emerge. The government believes that a CBI investigation will not only dispel suspicions surrounding VIPs but will also strengthen the trust of the victim's family and the state's people in the justice system.

Overall, the initiation of CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case reflects the state government's policy of transparency and accountability, where justice is paramount and the truth will not be suppressed at any level.

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