Indian National Congress Seeks Time-Bound CBI Probe into Ankita Bhandari Murder

Dehradun: The Indian National Congress on Friday demanded a time-bound probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the murder of Ankita Bhandari, calling for the investigation to be completed within six months and seeking an independent inquiry into the alleged “VIP angle” linked to the case.

Addressing a press conference, senior party leaders said the gravity of the crime and the public outrage it triggered necessitate a transparent and impartial probe under the supervision of a central agency. The Congress alleged that key aspects of the case, including claims about pressure from influential individuals, have not been fully examined.

Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand, was found dead in 2022 after she reportedly went missing. The case sparked widespread protests across the state, with citizens demanding strict punishment for the accused and clarity over reports that she was pressured to provide “special services” to a VIP guest.

The Congress leadership reiterated that while arrests were made and a chargesheet filed, questions surrounding the alleged involvement of powerful persons remain unanswered. The party demanded that the probe be monitored by a court and concluded within a fixed timeframe of six months to ensure accountability and justice for the victim’s family.

Party representatives also accused the state government of failing to ensure complete transparency in the investigation and said that only a CBI-led inquiry could restore public confidence. They further demanded that the trial be fast-tracked and conducted in a special court.

The ruling dispensation, however, has maintained that the investigation was conducted professionally and that strict action was taken against the accused. Officials have previously stated that there was no evidence substantiating the so-called VIP angle.

The Congress said it would continue to raise the issue both inside and outside the Assembly until the family receives justice and all alleged links, including those involving influential individuals, are thoroughly examined.