Dehradun/New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation has formally taken up a new case linked to the murder of Ankita Bhandari, acting on a recommendation made by the Uttarakhand government earlier this year. The case has been registered by the agency’s Delhi-based Special Crime Branch (Branch-2).
Ankita Bhandari, who was employed as a receptionist at the Vanantra Resort near Rishikesh, was killed in September 2022. Her body was later found in the Cheela Canal on September 24, triggering public outrage across Uttarakhand. The trial in the matter concluded with the conviction of resort owner Pulkit Arya, along with manager Saurabh Bhaskar and employee Ankit Gupta, all of whom were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Despite the convictions, the case continued to draw attention after audio and video recordings surfaced on social media, allegedly referring to the involvement of a “VIP.” The clips reportedly featured Urmila Sanawar, described as the spouse of a former BJP MLA from Jwalapur, making references that intensified public suspicion and political pressure.
The circulation of these recordings led to widespread demonstrations across the state, with protestors demanding an independent investigation to ascertain whether any influential individual had played a role in the crime or its aftermath.
Responding to the growing unrest and new material that emerged online, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recommended a CBI probe on January 9, 2026. The move was aimed at ensuring transparency and addressing lingering concerns surrounding the case.
Following the state government’s recommendation, the CBI has now registered a case against the unnamed individual alleged to be the “VIP” mentioned in the viral clips. Officials have indicated that the investigation will focus on examining the authenticity of the recordings and determining whether any additional criminal liability arises.
No further details have been shared by the agency at this stage, as the probe remains at an initial phase.
