Ankita Bhandari was working as a receptionist at Vanantara Resort in Pauri district when she went missing on September 18, 2022. Her disappearance triggered concern among her family, who later lodged a missing person complaint.
Six days later, her body was recovered from the Chilla canal near Rishikesh. The discovery sparked massive outrage across Uttarakhand and beyond, with protests demanding justice and accountability.
Accused and Convictions
The main accused in the case was Pulkit Arya, owner of the resort and son of a former BJP leader who was subsequently expelled from the party. Two of Arya’s employees were also named as co-accused.
Following investigation and trial, all three accused were convicted and awarded life imprisonment. The court accepted the prosecution’s case that Ankita was murdered and her body disposed of to destroy evidence.
Post-Mortem Findings
The post-mortem examination concluded that Ankita Bhandari died due to drowning. It also recorded four to five antemortem injuries on her body, indicating physical assault prior to death.
Medical findings ruled out sexual assault, a point repeatedly cited by investigators during the trial. However, the circumstances leading to the crime continued to raise troubling questions.
Allegations of ‘VIP’ Involvement
According to the prosecution’s earlier narrative, Ankita was allegedly under pressure to provide “extra services” to a VIP guest at the resort, which she refused. Her family has consistently claimed that this refusal led to her murder.
In recent months, the issue resurfaced after an actress, who claims to be the wife of a legislator, alleged that a powerful individual was involved in the crime. She released video and audio clips on social media, claiming they pointed towards political influence.
Renewed Protests and Political Response
The fresh allegations reignited public anger. Workers from political parties including the Congress, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, women’s organisations, and leftist groups held demonstrations demanding a CBI probe to reveal the identity of the alleged VIP.
On January 4, protesters marched towards the chief minister’s residence in Dehradun, reiterating calls for an independent investigation.
Why the CBI Took Over
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recommended a CBI inquiry following a request from Ankita Bhandari’s parents. The central agency has now registered a fresh case and formally taken charge from the Uttarakhand Police.
The state government has also confirmed that separate FIRs were registered concerning the social media videos and audio clips, which are being examined independently.
What the CBI Probe May Focus On
The CBI is expected to scrutinise whether any individual beyond the convicted accused played a role in the crime or its concealment. Investigators may re-examine digital evidence, call records, financial links, and witness testimonies.
Legal experts note that while the convictions remain intact, the scope of the CBI probe could widen if fresh evidence emerges.