CBI Assures Fair Investigation in Ankita Bhandari Case as Parents Seek Justice

New Delhi, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : Ankita Bhandari’s parents met with senior officials at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) headquarters in New Delhi on October 14, 2022. This meeting came just days after they protested at India Gate, demanding justice for their daughter, who was allegedly murdered at a resort in Uttarakhand.

During the meeting, Virendra Singh Bhandari and his wife, Soni Devi, shared various details regarding the case with CBI officials. The parents expressed their hope for a thorough and impartial investigation.

The CBI reassured the family that all aspects of the case would be investigated meticulously and without bias. Ankita, a 19-year-old receptionist, was reportedly killed in September 2022, leading to widespread outrage across Uttarakhand and calls for strict action against the accused.

In response to the growing public demand for justice, the Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, stated that it has been committed to ensuring justice for Ankita from the start. The government reported that the suspects were arrested within 24 hours of the incident and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to conduct a thorough inquiry.

Furthermore, authorities filed a charge sheet encompassing around 500 pages of evidence and statements from approximately 100 witnesses. The state government also noted that the accused received life sentences after the trial, with their bail applications repeatedly denied.

In a show of support for the grieving family, the government changed public prosecutors at their request on three occasions. Following the family’s appeal, Chief Minister Dhami ordered a CBI investigation into the matter. Additionally, the state has provided financial assistance of 2.5 million rupees and government jobs to Ankita’s father and brother.