The Uttarakhand government has officially recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the high-profile murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, reigniting public interest in one of the state’s most controversial criminal cases. Ankita, who worked as a receptionist at the Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh, was found dead in September 2022 after going missing, prompting widespread outrage and protests following allegations of coercion linked to influential figures.
Three individuals — Pulkit Arya, the resort owner and son of a former political leader, along with two associates — were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in May 2025. However, persistent claims and circulating audio clips alleging the involvement of a mysterious ‘VIP’ have kept the case in the spotlight, with the victim’s family and political opponents demanding a deeper investigation.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the CBI referral after meeting Ankita’s grieving parents and acknowledging their long-standing demand for a central inquiry. The CBI will now take over the investigation to clarify unresolved questions, including the alleged role of a high-profile individual and potential procedural gaps in earlier probes.
The decision comes amid renewed protests and political pressure, with opposition leaders criticizing earlier handling of the case and accusing authorities of shielding powerful figures. The CBI’s involvement marks a significant shift that could bring fresh momentum to the pursuit of justice in this deeply sensitive matter news as reported.
