Amid mounting pressure from protesters and opposition parties, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday finally recommended a CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case. He said the decision was taken while respecting the wishes and sentiments of Ankita’s parents.
The Chief Minister said the government’s objective has always been to ensure justice in a fair, transparent and sensitive manner.
He said that as soon as information about the tragic and heart-rending incident came to light, the state government acted promptly with full sensitivity and impartiality. Given the seriousness of the case, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a woman IPS officer was immediately constituted.
Dhami said all the accused linked to the case were swiftly arrested and legal action was ensured by the state government. None of the accused was granted bail during the investigation or trial. After a detailed probe by the SIT, charge sheets were filed, and following the completion of the trial, the court awarded life imprisonment to the accused.
He added that in recent days, separate FIRs have been registered over certain audio clips circulating on social media, and investigations into those matters are ongoing.
He said the government’s intent is completely transparent and that no fact or evidence will be ignored. He said Ankita was not just a victim, but also a sister and daughter to all.
Dhami said he recently met Ankita Bhandari’s parents, during which they requested a CBI inquiry into the case. Respecting their request and sentiments, the state government has decided to hand over the investigation to the CBI.
Also Read: Ankita Bhandari case: Protests outside CM's residence, Delhi
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