Congress seeks time-bound CBI probe into Ankita Bhandari murder

The Congress on Saturday (January 10, 2026) called for a time-bound and independent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Ankita Bhandari murder, insisting that the agency conclude the inquiry within six months and act against those accused of destroying evidence.

The demand follows Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s decision to recommend a CBI inquiry into the 2022 killing of the 19-year-old resort receptionist, a move made after repeated appeals by her parents. The State unit of the Congress has been pressing for a federal probe, citing what it says are new developments in the case.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said the investigation must focus on the alleged “VIP angle” and ensure accountability for violations of workplace safety norms.

“We want the CBI to conduct an independent investigation of the VIP angle, take action against those who issued orders to destroy evidence, take action against the MLA who destroyed evidence, ensure strict compliance with safety laws at women’s workplaces and fix accountability for those providing political protection,” Ms. Lamba said.

“We also want a mandatory independent investigation mechanism for such cases in the future, and the CBI should take the case to its conclusion within six months without pressure and with impartiality,” she added.

The Mahila Congress alleged political interference in the earlier investigation and questioned the demolition of the resort where Ankita worked, which it said led to the destruction of evidence. Ms. Lamba also asked why individuals named by Ankita’s father had not been questioned by the special investigation team.

“Why was a bulldozer run on the resort by the local BJP MLA without a judicial order? Why was the identity of the VIP not made public by the SIT? Did any VIP’s name come up in the entire investigation by the SIT? Do women’s safety schemes not apply to power-protected institutions, and is the life of a daughter from a poor family less valuable? What is the guarantee that the accused in this case will not be released from jail, and when will action be taken against those who destroy evidence? After all, who in this case are the political people providing protection?” she asked.

Ankita Bhandari was allegedly murdered in 2022 by Pulkit Arya, owner of the Vanantra Resort and the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, along with two of his employees. All three were later sentenced to life imprisonment.

Renewed calls for a CBI probe have followed allegations by actor Urmila Sanawar, who claims to be the wife of MLA Suresh Rathore. She released videos and audio recordings on social media alleging the involvement of a ‘VIP’ in the case, and later named BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam.

Multiple FIRs have since been registered against Ms. Sanawar and Mr. Rathore in Dehradun and Haridwar.