Ankita Bhandari case NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday recommended a CBI probe into the Ankita Bhandari murder case, amid renewed protests demanding justice for the 19-year-old receptionist who was murdered in 2022.The chief minister, after meeting her parents, announced his recommendation for an inquiry by the central agency.“We thought her parents were the most affected, and we should certainly hear them. I spoke with them, and they expressed that there should be a CBI investigation. Honouring this, we are recommending a CBI probe,” Dhami stated.He stressed that his government’s objective has always been — and would continue to be — to ensure justice “in a fair, transparent, and sensitive manner.” Ankita Bhandari murder: Phone conversations reveal how main accused Pulkit Arya tried to mislead investigation The BJP leader also recalled how his government has handled the matter.“We acted without any delay, with complete sensitivity and impartiality. Considering the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was immediately constituted under the leadership of a woman IPS officer. All accused were promptly arrested and, due to strong legal prosecution, were never granted bail during the investigation and trial. After a thorough investigation by the SIT, charge sheets were filed, and upon completion of the hearing, the trial court awarded life imprisonment to all three accused,” Dhami said.In May 2025, the court convicted Pulkit Arya, son of expelled state BJP leader and former minister Vinod Arya. Pulkit owned the Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh, where Bhandari worked, and two of his associates were also found guilty.Though the trio was convicted, it has been repeatedly alleged that Bhandari was murdered after she refused to “serve” a “VIP.”The latest protests erupted following the emergence of the alleged “VIP”’s name, though police have denied that any such person was involved in the matter.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 MediaVideos’Not Accurate’: India Hits Back After Trump Aide Blames PM Modi For Delayed Trade DealMEA Calls For Firm Action As India Flags Disturbing Pattern Of Attacks On Minorities In BangladeshPM Modi To Host German Chancellor Merz In Gujarat As India-Germany Ties Enter Strategic Phase’PM Modi-Trump Held 8 Calls In 2025′: India Rejects Lutnick’s Claim On Stalled Trade AgreementThe Day CBI Arrested Indira Gandhi And Sonia’s Pasta Maker That May Have Saved The Day For CongHow US Pulled Off A Mission Defining Security Operation For Jaishankar During Government ShutdownVenezuelan Oil For India? US Offer Comes With Conditions As Pressure Grows Over Russian CrudeShashi Tharoor Praises Nehru’s Democracy Role, Admits 1962 Errors, Accuses BJP Of Blame PoliticsJaishankar Sends ‘Bad Neighbour’ Pakistan On Anti-India Rant Again, Calls Operation Sindoor Reckless’No Call From PM Modi’: Trump Aide Lutnick’s Shocker On India-US Trade Deal Amid Tariff Threats123Photostories5 chilling Indian web series villains that will keep you up at night’Parasakthi’: Five reasons to watch the Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, and Sreeleela starrer on big screens’Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, ‘English Vinglish’ to ‘Manjhi’ Bollywood’s best motivational movies to keep you committed to your new year resolutions5 Hulu horror dramas for some spine-chilling experience5 infamous roads where people are known to disappear without a trace12 non-vegetarian dishes from Indian cities to keep you warm during wintersKatrina Kaif-Vicky Kaushal, Kiara Advani-Sidharth Malhotra to Parineeti Chopra: Celebrity newborn reveals are getting more thoughtfulThis Kaal Bhairav Avatar Protects You Based on Your Birth DateBengaluru airport space shift pushes bus commuters to costly cabs‘Barfi!’, ‘Fashion’, and ‘Mary Kom’: A look at Priyanka Chopra’s most memorable performances123Hot PicksTrump Mexico NewsTrump Denmark NewsGold rate todayBengaluru newsCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingCandace OwensTommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood Net WorthTravis KelceICE Shooting VictimSarfaraz KhanRic Flair Net Worth in 2025Patrick Mahomes InjuryUnion BudgetWPL Live ScoreStefon Diggs
NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday recommended a CBI probe into the Ankita Bhandari murder case, amid renewed protests demanding justice for the 19-year-old receptionist who was murdered in 2022.The chief minister, after meeting her parents, announced his recommendation for an inquiry by the central agency.“We thought her parents were the most affected, and we should certainly hear them. I spoke with them, and they expressed that there should be a CBI investigation. Honouring this, we are recommending a CBI probe,” Dhami stated.He stressed that his government’s objective has always been — and would continue to be — to ensure justice “in a fair, transparent, and sensitive manner.”
The BJP leader also recalled how his government has handled the matter.“We acted without any delay, with complete sensitivity and impartiality. Considering the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was immediately constituted under the leadership of a woman IPS officer. All accused were promptly arrested and, due to strong legal prosecution, were never granted bail during the investigation and trial. After a thorough investigation by the SIT, charge sheets were filed, and upon completion of the hearing, the trial court awarded life imprisonment to all three accused,” Dhami said.In May 2025, the court convicted Pulkit Arya, son of expelled state BJP leader and former minister Vinod Arya. Pulkit owned the Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh, where Bhandari worked, and two of his associates were also found guilty.Though the trio was convicted, it has been repeatedly alleged that Bhandari was murdered after she refused to “serve” a “VIP.”The latest protests erupted following the emergence of the alleged “VIP”’s name, though police have denied that any such person was involved in the matter.
