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Protests in Uttarakhand and Delhi Renew Push for CBI Probe in Ankita Bhandari Case

Calls for a CBI probe have intensified after a whistleblower named a BJP leader as the alleged 'VIP', a claim police say their investigation does not support.

Overview

  • Thousands marched in Dehradun toward the chief minister’s residence and were stopped at Hathibarkala, where standoffs with police followed a coalition rally of political and social groups.
  • Demonstrators also gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi urging a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry and action against any influential figure tied to the case.
  • Organisers announced a statewide shutdown in Uttarakhand on January 11 and submitted a memorandum demanding that the alleged VIP be brought under the ambit of the investigation within a week.
  • A day earlier, Haridwar SP (Rural) Shekhar Suyal said the SIT found no VIP involvement, identifying the person referenced in chats as a Noida resident who briefly dined at the resort and stating all visitors were scrutinized.
  • The BJP and Dushyant Kumar Gautam rejected the allegations as defamatory, with the party staging counter-protests against the Congress, while the case’s core offenders—resort owner Pulkit Arya and two staff—were sentenced to life in May 2025.