Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said he would meet the parents of Ankita Bhandari amid renewed protests seeking justice for the 19-year-old receptionist, whose death in September 2022 had triggered widespread outrage.“As the chief servant of the state, I will speak with her parents. After that, we will take forward whatever they desire for their daughter’s justice in a manner consistent with the law,” Dhami said at a press conference.He added that the Uttarakhand government would not back down from any kind of investigation, as protests continue across the state demanding a CBI probe into the case.“We are ready for any kind of probe. Ankita Bhandari is like our own daughter, and ensuring justice for her has been our highest priority. With this same commitment, strict action has been taken against the criminals, who are now serving life imprisonment,” the BJP leader stated.In May last year, a court convicted Pulkit Arya, the son of now-expelled party leader Vinod Arya, for Bhandari’s murder. Pulkit Arya, who owned the Vanantra Resort where she worked, was sentenced to life imprisonment along with two of his associates.However, Bhandari’s parents have demanded the death penalty for the convicts.Meanwhile, Dhami also addressed a purported audio recording, the emergence of which sparked the fresh wave of demonstrations.“One name was mentioned through an audio… Is someone trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the state and looking for political ground here? There are other ways to do politics,” the chief minister remarked.The audio purportedly named a “VIP” whom Bhandari had refused to “serve,” prompting Arya and his associates to murder her.Uttarakhand Police have denied any involvement of a “VIP” in the case.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNepal Imposes Curfew In Birgunj Near India Border After Social Media Sparks Religious TensionsHyderabad Techie Murdered In US: Father Denies Love Angle, Seeks Justice Across BordersIndia Speeds Up Chenab Hydropower Projects, Redrawing Indus Rivers Water Control Lines For PakistanPolitical War Erupts After JNU Slogans Target PM Modi Following Umar Khalid Bail Rejection VerdictUS Senator Claims India Cut Russian Oil Buys And Sought Trump Tariff Relief Amid Pressure Bid On OilVHP Calls Out Bangladesh Chief Adviser Yunus’ ‘Empire of Unrest’ After 6 Hindus Killed In 18 DaysPathankot Arrest Of 15-Year-Old Spy Exposes Strategy Of Pakistan ISI Targeting Minors Against IndiaBangladesh Unrest Claims Two More Hindu Lives As Six Killings In 18 Days Raise Minority Safety Fears‘Really Happy For Others’: SC Rejects Umar Khalid’S Bail; Partner Shares His Reaction“Trump’s Interest Is Clear”: Ex-Diplomat Slams Venezuela Action123PhotostoriesCancel that trip to Kashmir if these 6 places aren’t on your winter travel itinerary5 smart ways to repurpose your old smartwatch instead of throwing it awayTop cultural events in Delhi in January 2026 travellers shouldn’t missHow to make Chettinad Egg Curry for dinnerTimes Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, gave a rare glimpse into his life as a fatherCoimbatore Police Rally: 100 patrol vehicles hit city streetsSeychelles Black Parrot to Eclectus Parrot: 10 different types of parrots found across the worldMumbai–Pune expressway’s final gap closes: Missing link set to open May 1, 30-minute faster drives aheadChennai traffic woes to ease: Rs 78 crore Pattabiram ROB flyover completion brings relief to commuters on Tirupati HighwayWhy is Bathua considered so healthy? 8 easy dishes that are super delicious123Hot PicksBudget 2026Vande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayUS Visa BondsCigarette tax hikeBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersCardi BQuinn HughesKyle TuckerSidney Crosby LifestyleTyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones Net WorthKevin StefanskiChicago Bulls vs Boston CelticsJohn PyleKevin Durant vs LeBron James Net Worth
NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said he would meet the parents of Ankita Bhandari amid renewed protests seeking justice for the 19-year-old receptionist, whose death in September 2022 had triggered widespread outrage.“As the chief servant of the state, I will speak with her parents. After that, we will take forward whatever they desire for their daughter’s justice in a manner consistent with the law,” Dhami said at a press conference.He added that the Uttarakhand government would not back down from any kind of investigation, as protests continue across the state demanding a CBI probe into the case.“We are ready for any kind of probe. Ankita Bhandari is like our own daughter, and ensuring justice for her has been our highest priority. With this same commitment, strict action has been taken against the criminals, who are now serving life imprisonment,” the BJP leader stated.In May last year, a court convicted Pulkit Arya, the son of now-expelled party leader Vinod Arya, for Bhandari’s murder. Pulkit Arya, who owned the Vanantra Resort where she worked, was sentenced to life imprisonment along with two of his associates.However, Bhandari’s parents have demanded the death penalty for the convicts.Meanwhile, Dhami also addressed a purported audio recording, the emergence of which sparked the fresh wave of demonstrations.“One name was mentioned through an audio… Is someone trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the state and looking for political ground here? There are other ways to do politics,” the chief minister remarked.The audio purportedly named a “VIP” whom Bhandari had refused to “serve,” prompting Arya and his associates to murder her.Uttarakhand Police have denied any involvement of a “VIP” in the case.
