Ankita Murder Case: Dhami Defends Govt Action, Says CBI Probe Underway

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday hit out at the Congress over its protest marking the fourth anniversary of the Ankita Bhandari murder, saying the ongoing CBI investigation will bring the complete truth to light.

Addressing reporters here, Dhami described the killing of the 19-year-old receptionist as a tragic incident and highlighted the action taken by his government. He said all three convicts were sentenced to life imprisonment and their bail petitions were rejected by the Uttarakhand High Court.

“At the request of Ankita's parents, we recommended a CBI investigation into the matter. The probe is underway, and it will bring the complete truth to light,” Dhami said.

The state government recommended a CBI probe in January this year, following Ankita worked. It was alleged that she was killed after resisting pressure to provide public protests over allegations concerning a “VIP” guest at the Vanantra Resort, where “special services” to the guest.

Dhami's remarks came as Congress leaders held a 'Nyay March' near Rishikesh, accusing the BJP-led state government of delaying the investigation and failing to establish the identity of the alleged VIP.

Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal said people had waited four years for answers and alleged that there had been no visible progress in identifying the person allegedly linked to the case. He said the Congress would take action against all remaining perpetrators if it came to power.

Congress workers held a sit-in at Ganga Bhogpur Talla before marching to the gates of the now-defunct Vanantra Resort, where party leaders paid floral tributes to Ankita.

Ankita was murdered on September 18, 2022, allegedly by resort owner Pulkit Arya, son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, and two resort staff members. Her body was recovered from the Chilla Canal four days later.