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A large number of people took to the streets in Dehradun on Sunday demanding a CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case in Uttarakhand and an impartial investigation into the facts to the case. A huge rally was taken out by various social organizations, student-youth organizations and opposition political parties, in which a huge crowd gathered. The protesters tried to march to the Chief Minister’s residence, however, the pre-deployed police force stopped the rally by barricading it in Hathibarkala area.

At around 11 am on Sunday morning, people associated with many social organizations including Uttarakhand Rajya Andolankari Manch, Congress, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, CPI, Unemployed Union, Uttarakhand Mool Niwas Bho-Kanoon Sangharsh Samiti, Garhwal Sabha Mahila Manch gathered at the parade ground. From here everyone proceeded in the form of a rally and demanded justice for Ankita Bhandari. A large participation of women, youth and elderly was seen in the rally.

As soon as the rally reached Hathibarkala, the police stopped the protesters from moving forward by putting up barricades. During this time, a minor clash was also seen between the protesters and the police. A large number of people sat on the road and started protesting peacefully. Many people expressed their sentiments through songs and slogans and reiterated their demand for an impartial investigation into the case.

The protesters said that after new allegations to the Ankita Bhandari murder case came to light, an in-depth investigation of this entire matter was necessary. Officials of social organizations said that this is not just a case of crime, but it has also highlighted the concerns and questions spread in the society. During the demonstration, the speakers unanimously demanded a CBI inquiry and also asked for an investigation into the role of those whose names have come out in public.

Mohit Dimri of Uttarakhand Mool Nivas Bho-Kanun Sangharsh Samiti announced from the stage that Uttarakhand bandh has been called on January 11. He said that communication will be held with various business and social organizations regarding this. At the same time, state spokesperson of Uttarakhand Rajya Andolankari Manch, Pradeep Kukreti also reiterated the demand for a CBI investigation and said that only through a transparent investigation of the case, the victim’s family can get justice.

Special enthusiasm and anger was seen among the youth during the demonstration. A young man reached the rally carrying a pitcher on his shoulder, on which various slogans were written. Reaching the Hathibarkala barricading, he symbolically broke the pot, which people were seeing as a symbol of their protest.

The protesters sitting on the road kept singing songs and expressing their views peacefully for a long time. During the entire demonstration, the police force remained deployed at the spot and kept the situation under control. The protest passed off peacefully, but people’s sentiments and demand for justice regarding the Ankita Bhandari murder case once again came forward strongly.