Uttarakhand CM Dhami Opens Door to All Probes in 2022 Resort Murder Case

Govt open to ‘all forms of probe’, says CM Dhami on 2022 resort murder

Table of Contents

The Heartbreaking Case of Ankita Bhandari

In September 2022, the nation was shaken by the brutal murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at the Vanantara Resort near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The young woman’s life was tragically cut short after she reportedly refused immoral demands from her employers, leading to a crime that sparked massive public outrage and protests across the state .

The case became a symbol of the vulnerability of young women in the workforce and the urgent need for their protection. The gruesome details of how Ankita was allegedly murdered and her body dumped in a nearby canal sent shockwaves through the country, demanding swift and transparent justice .

CM Dhami’s Major Announcement: ‘Open to All Forms of Probe’

Amid persistent demands from the public and the victim’s family for a more credible and independent investigation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has made a crucial statement. He declared that the Uttarakhand government is open to ‘all forms of probe’ into the 2022 resort murder case .

This is a significant shift in the government’s posture, signaling a willingness to accommodate external agencies if it helps bring every aspect of the case to light. Terming the murder ‘heart-wrenching,’ Dhami also announced that he would be meeting Ankita Bhandari’s parents personally to discuss their concerns, a move aimed at restoring public trust .

The Conviction: What We Know So Far

On May 30, 2025, a major milestone was reached in the case when a local court in Uttarakhand convicted the three main accused and sentenced them to life imprisonment. The convicts include Pulkit Arya, the son of a former BJP MLA and the owner of the resort, along with two of his employees .

While this conviction is a significant victory for the immediate quest for justice, many questions remain unanswered. The investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had previously ruled out ‘VIP involvement’ in the crime . However, this conclusion has been met with skepticism from many, who point to alleged chat records and the initial attempts to cover up the incident as evidence of a larger conspiracy .

The Call for a CBI Probe: Why the Public Demands More

Despite the recent conviction, the demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe or a judicial commission has not subsided. The public’s distrust stems from several key factors:

  • Alleged VIP Connections: The resort owner’s political lineage has fueled suspicions that the initial investigation was designed to protect influential figures.
  • Nature of the Crime: The brutality and premeditated nature of the murder suggest a level of confidence in escaping consequences that many believe points to a larger network.
  • National Outrage: The case triggered protests not just in Uttarakhand but in Delhi and other parts of the country, with citizens demanding a probe at the highest level [[9], [14]].

CM Dhami’s new statement appears to be a direct response to this sustained public pressure, acknowledging that the state’s actions alone may not be enough to quell the doubts that linger in the public consciousness.

What’s Next for Justice?

The path forward now rests on the government’s follow-through. Will the ‘openness to all forms of probe’ translate into a formal request to the central government for a CBI investigation? Or will it lead to the formation of a high-powered judicial commission? The meeting between CM Dhami and Ankita’s parents will be a critical juncture in determining the next steps .

The 2022 resort murder of Ankita Bhandari is more than just a criminal case; it’s a test of the system’s ability to deliver impartial justice, regardless of the accused’s social or political standing. The nation is watching closely to see if the promise of a thorough probe will be more than just words.

Summary

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the state government is open to ‘all forms of probe’ in the 2022 resort murder of Ankita Bhandari. This comes after the conviction of the three main accused to life imprisonment and in response to continuous public demands for a more independent CBI or judicial investigation. The CM is set to meet the victim’s parents, a meeting that will be pivotal in deciding the future course of the investigation.

Sources

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