Uttarakhand Police Files FIR to Identify Alleged VIPs in Ankita Bhandari Murder Case

The Uttarakhand Police has filed an FIR to identify alleged VIPs linked to the Ankita Bhandari murder case. This follows a recommendation for a CBI investigation amid concerns over evidence handling.

Uttarakhand Police have lodged an FIR to identify alleged VIPs linked to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, according to officials. This action follows the state government's recommendation for a CBI investigation into the matter. The FIR was filed at Vasant Vihar police station in Dehradun after environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi, a Padma Bhushan awardee, submitted a complaint to the director general of police.

Joshi's complaint highlighted that while those involved in Ankita's murder have been convicted, there are allegations of evidence being concealed or destroyed. He emphasised the need for an investigation involving an unidentified VIP to ensure complete justice. Consequently, the police registered an FIR under sections 238, 249, and 45 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Political Reactions and Demands

Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat expressed that the FIR should ideally have been filed by Ankita's parents. "The person named in the FIR is a highly respected person, but it would have been better if the FIR had been filed on behalf of Ankita's parents," he stated on social media. Rawat suggested that the state government should involve Ankita's father, Virendra Singh, and social workers to draft a suitable complaint.

Opposition parties are firm in their demand for a CBI probe under the oversight of a sitting Supreme Court or High Court judge. Various political and social groups have called for a statewide bandh in Uttarakhand on Sunday to push for this demand. State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal confirmed the party's support for the bandh.

Security Measures and Public Appeal

Garhwal Inspector General of Police Rajiv Swaroop announced that extensive security measures are in place to maintain law and order during the bandh. Swaroop also urged all parties to avoid sharing inflammatory content on social media during this period.

The unfolding events highlight the complexities surrounding the case and underline public demand for transparency and accountability. The call for a CBI investigation reflects concerns over potential lapses in handling evidence and ensuring justice for Ankita Bhandari.

With inputs from PTI