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CBI – In a renewed push to address unanswered questions in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, the Central Bureau of Investigation has formally registered a new First Information Report to trace the identity of an unnamed “VIP” believed to be connected to the crime. The step comes more than two years after the killing and even after a trial court handed down life sentences to the main accused, underscoring the sensitivity and public importance of the matter.

Central Agency Steps In After Verdict

The CBI’s decision marks an unusual development, as central intervention has followed the conclusion of a state-led investigation and conviction. Officials confirmed that a dedicated team from the agency’s Delhi Special Crime Branch has reached Dehradun and Rishikesh to begin a detailed review of records and evidence. The focus, according to sources, will be on determining who the alleged “VIP” was and whether any influential figures were shielded during earlier stages of the probe.

Public Pressure and Political Backdrop

Calls for a deeper investigation have persisted since the case first came to light, driven by widespread public anger and sustained opposition criticism. Demonstrations across Uttarakhand have repeatedly demanded disclosure of the individual for whom “special services” were allegedly sought. The controversy intensified after Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recommended a CBI inquiry on January 9 following a meeting with the victim’s family, signaling official acknowledgment of lingering doubts.

Digital and Financial Trails Under Review

Investigators are expected to re-examine digital evidence that was either unavailable or not fully explored earlier. This includes mobile phone data, call detail records, banking transactions, and electronic communications linked to the accused and potential witnesses. Officials have also indicated that viral audio and video clips circulating on social media, which claim to reference the case, will be scrutinized to assess their authenticity and relevance.

Viral Video Rekindles Debate

The so-called “VIP” angle resurfaced sharply after a video shared online by Urmila Sanawar, who has described herself as the wife of former legislator Suresh Rathore. The clip allegedly contains a recorded conversation hinting at the Ankita Bhandari case, triggering fresh political exchanges and demands for accountability. While no conclusions have been drawn from the footage, it has added momentum to calls for transparency.

Background of the Crime

Ankita Bhandari, aged 19, was working as a receptionist at the Vanantara Resort in Pauri district when she went missing in September 2022. Investigators later established that she was murdered on September 18 after resisting pressure to provide illicit services to a guest. The case shocked the state and quickly became a symbol of alleged abuse of power.

Convictions and Unanswered Questions

Resort owner Pulkit Arya and his associates Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar were arrested and later sentenced to life imprisonment. Despite the verdict, the identity of the intended guest remained officially undisclosed, fueling accusations that influential interests were being protected. The opposition, including the Congress, has repeatedly raised the issue in the state assembly and public forums.

What the CBI Probe Aims to Clarify

The fresh investigation will revisit witness testimonies, forensic findings, and procedural decisions taken by the earlier Special Investigation Team. Officials say the goal is to close gaps, verify claims that surfaced after the trial, and restore public confidence in the justice process. With a large public assembly planned in Dehradun on February 8 to press for full disclosure, expectations around the probe remain high