Uttarakhand Outrage Over Ankitā Bhandārī Case Leads to CBI Commitment

The murder of 19‑year‑old Ankitā Bhandārī in a Uttarakhand resort has ignited widespread unrest across the state. Following a protest that saw the participation of national opposition figures, the family approached the Central Bureau of Investigation for a fresh look into the case.

On Friday, senior CBI officials convened with Veerendra Singh Bhandārī and Soni Devi at the agency’s Delhi office. The couple recounted the facts they had gathered, pointing to alleged procedural lapses in earlier inquiries. In response, the bureau assured a thorough, unbiased examination and promised to keep the family updated on progress.

The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, highlighted its proactive steps, including the formation of a Special Investigation Team that produced a voluminous charge sheet backed by evidence and witness statements. The accused were subsequently convicted and sentenced to life terms, with bail applications consistently rejected.

With the CBI now officially involved, the relatives hope the investigation will be insulated from any local pressures and will finally bring closure to a case that has dominated headlines for over two years.