High‑Profile Murder Case: Sanawar Demands CBI Interrogation in Presence of Media

NEW DELHI, Oct 18 — Urmila Sanawar, identified as the spouse of former BJP legislator Suresh Rathore, was taken in for questioning by a four‑person CBI team in Saharanpur on Sunday. The team, which included a senior female officer, arrived at Sanawar’s residence after she appeared at a Delhi press conference with Ankita Bhandari’s parents.

Sanawar publicly requested that the CBI conduct its interrogation with journalists in the room, citing concerns that the investigation is not under the oversight of a sitting Supreme Court judge. Her video appeal has been widely shared on social platforms.

The CBI’s move follows a day‑long session in Haridwar where Rathore was questioned at a guest house, an effort that underscores the agency’s heightened focus on the case. The bureau took charge of the murder probe in February, filing charges against an unidentified VIP through its Special Crime Branch.

The case has re‑emerged in the public eye after several audio clips featuring Sanawar surfaced online, prompting political parties and civil society to demand a transparent and accountable investigation. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially recommended the CBI’s continued involvement on January 9, responding to mounting pressure.