Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe into the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, specifically focusing on the potential involvement of a "VIP". The decision, announced Friday, January 9, 2026, comes after mounting pressure from the victim's family, opposition parties, and the public, who have been demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of an influential figure.
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at the Vanantara resort in Rishikesh, was murdered in September 2022 by resort owner Pulkit Arya and his associates. Arya, the son of a former BJP leader, Vinod Arya, along with his accomplices Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar, were convicted in May 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment for the crime. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation revealed that Ankita was murdered after she refused to provide "extra services" to VIP guests at the resort.
Despite the convictions, suspicions of a cover-up and the involvement of a "VIP" have persisted. The case recently gained renewed attention after audio and video clips circulated online, allegedly featuring former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore discussing a "VIP" who he claimed was BJP national general secretary and Uttarakhand in-charge Dushyant Gautam. Gautam has vehemently denied these allegations and has filed defamation charges.
Dhami's decision to order a CBI probe reflects the government's commitment to ensuring justice and transparency in the case. He stated that the government's aim is to ensure justice in a fair, transparent, and sensitive manner. He also mentioned that the decision was made respecting the sentiments of the victim's parents, who had requested a CBI inquiry under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge.
The Chief Minister recounted the steps taken by the state government since the incident, including the formation of an SIT led by a woman IPS officer, the prompt arrest of the accused, and ensuring strong legal representation. He asserted that his government will ensure that no fact or evidence will be overlooked.
Political reactions to the CBI probe have been divided. The Congress party, a vocal advocate for the CBI investigation, believes the decision acknowledges faults in the initial probe and alleges a BJP cover-up. They claim that parts of the resort were demolished to destroy evidence. The state BJP chief, Mahendra Bhatt, welcomed the decision, stating it aligns with public sentiment and will expose the opposition's lies.
The CBI inquiry will focus on investigating the claims surrounding the "mystery VIP" and determining if any influential figures were involved in the crime or its cover-up. The outcome of the CBI investigation is awaited, as it holds the potential to reveal new information and bring closure to the case that has gripped the state and nation.
