Protesters surround Uttarakhand CM’s home demanding CBI probe in Ankita Bhandari murder case

Thousands of people gathered outside Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s residence on Sunday, demanding justice in the 2022 murder case of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. Protesters carried banners and flags, chanting slogans and calling for a CBI investigation into the case, alleging VIP involvement.

Police deployed heavy security and formed barricades to manage the crowd, while mild clashes were reported as demonstrators pressed forward. Videos circulating on social media showed large groups advancing toward the residence, intensifying calls for accountability.

Haridwar SP (Rural) Shekhar Suyal clarified that investigations found no VIP involvement. He said the individual mentioned in chats, Dharmendra Kumar alias Pradhan, was an acquaintance of Ankita and not a VIP. Records confirmed he had visited the area for work two days prior to the murder and briefly stopped at the Vanantra Resort.

The Uttarakhand government stated it is open to further investigation if credible evidence emerges. Opposition leaders, however, continue to demand a CBI probe into both the murder and fresh allegations linking influential figures to the case.

Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at a Pauri district resort, was allegedly murdered on September 18, 2022. Following an SIT investigation, the court sentenced resort owner Pulkit Arya, son of a BJP leader, and two others to life imprisonment.