Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Protests Erupt in Uttarakhand Over Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
People in Uttarakhand are protesting because a young woman named Ankita Bhandari was killed in 2022.
Some believe a powerful person, called a VIP, was involved in her murder.
Three people were already sentenced to life in prison for the crime.
Now, a woman named Urmila Sanawar says a big leader in the BJP, called 'Gattu,' was involved.
The police say no VIP was involved, and the BJP leader denies the claims.
The protesters want a special investigation by the CBI to find out the truth.
They are angry and want justice for Ankita.
The government says they will investigate if there is good evidence.
The protests are happening in many places, and people are planning a strike to show their anger.
Protests erupted across Uttarakhand demanding a CBI probe into the 2022 murder of Ankita Bhandari.
Allegations involve a VIP named 'Gattu,' claimed to be a senior BJP leader, in the murder case.
Three individuals, including the resort manager Pulkit Arya, have been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Protesters, including opposition parties, demand accountability and justice for Ankita Bhandari.
The government is ready for an investigation if credible evidence is presented, while protesters plan a state-wide strike on January 11.
- Who
- Protesters, mostly young people and women, in Uttarakhand
- What
- Protests demanding a CBI probe into the 2022 murder of Ankita Bhandari
- When
- January 7, 2024, with a planned strike on January 11, 2024
- Where
- Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Almora, and other parts of Uttarakhand
- Why
- Allegations of VIP involvement in the murder and demands for justice and accountability
- Victim
- Ankita Bhandari, 19-year-old receptionist
- Convicted Individuals
- Pulkit Arya, Ankit Gupta, Saurabh Bhaskar
- Alleged VIP
- BJP leader named 'Gattu'
- Protest Locations
- Dehradun, Tehri Garhwal, Almora
- Protest Demands
- CBI probe into the murder case
- Government Response
- Ready for investigation if credible evidence is presented
- Opposition Parties Involved
- Congress, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, Uttarakhand Swabhiman Morcha, CPI(M), CPI(ML), SUCI
- Strike Date
- January 11, 2024
Sources
Non-bailable warrant against woman who alleged ‘VIP’ involved in Ankita Bhandari murder
Police hunt for Urmila Sanawar and ex-MLA Suresh Rathore in Uttarakhand resort murder case
No ‘VIP’ involved in Ankita Bhandari murder case: Haridwar SP
Uttarakhand Police rejects allegations of VIP involvement and evidence destruction in Ankita Bhandari murder case
'Govt will conduct probe if credible evidence is found': Uttarakhand minister Uniyal on Ankita Bhandari murder case
Ankita murder case: Opposition parties protest, demand CBI probe as police rules out ‘VIP’ angle
Former SIT member says ‘VIP’ was identified in Ankita Bhandari murder case, but no evidence found
‘We’ll continue until Ankita gets justice’: Protests rage across Uttarakhand demanding CBI probe in 2022 murder