CBI Special Directors Manoj Shashidhar and Sampat Meena met Virendra Singh Bhandari and Soni Devi at CBI Headquarters in Delhi, promising a thorough, unbiased probe into the murder of their daughter, 19‑year‑old Ankita Bhandari. The parents, accompanied by MP Anil Baluni, voiced concerns that a "VIP" may have influenced the crime, a claim that has sparked public outrage.
Ankita Bhandari was found dead near Rishikesh in 2022. The case led to the conviction of resort owner Pulkit Arya and two employees, all sentenced to life imprisonment. Despite the verdict, accusations of evidence tampering and hidden involvement of powerful figures have continued to circulate.
The allegations gained traction after actress‑turned‑activist Urmila Sanawar released audio and video clips purporting to link a BJP MLA to the murder. The parents demanded a CBI investigation under Supreme Court supervision, and they also requested a narco‑test of former MLA Suresh Rathore and Sanawar, though such tests hold no evidentiary weight in court.
In response, the CBI registered a new case against unknown persons to probe the alleged VIP’s role. Special Directors Shashidhar and Meena assured that every aspect of the evidence, including the viral recordings, would be examined in detail. The bureau also noted that the original FIR was re‑registered following the state government’s request.
The inquiry will now be overseen by a Supreme Court judge, with the next court hearing set for early July. The CBI will conduct further investigations and present findings to the court, which will decide on any additional legal actions.