Archive · 11 Jan 2026
CBI Probe in Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
A young woman named Ankita Bhandari was killed by the manager of the resort where she worked, along with his associates.
The manager and his associates were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Now, a CBI probe has been announced, and two separate FIRs have been filed.
One FIR is against an unknown VIP, alleging attempts to suppress crucial facts and influence the investigation.
The other FIR is against Suresh Rathore for carjacking.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and protests, with demands for justice and a transparent investigation.
The Congress party is accusing the BJP government of evading a CBI probe for three years and alleging the involvement of senior BJP leaders in the case.
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist, was murdered by Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta.
A CBI probe was announced in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, and two separate FIRs were registered in Dehradun and Haridwar.
One FIR names an 'unknown VIP' for allegedly attempting to suppress crucial facts and influence the investigation.
The other FIR is against Suresh Rathore for carjacking, being investigated independently.
Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta were convicted and sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment in May 2025.
- Who
- Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist, was murdered by Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta. An FIR was filed against an unknown VIP and Suresh Rathore.
- What
- A CBI probe was announced in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, and two separate FIRs were registered in Dehradun and Haridwar.
- When
- The CBI probe was announced on Tuesday night, and the murder occurred on September 18, 2022.
- Where
- The incident took place in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India. The FIRs were filed in Dehradun and Haridwar.
- Why
- The CBI probe and FIRs were announced to investigate allegations of interference and ensure a thorough examination of the case.
- Victim
- Ankita Bhandari
- Age
- 19
- Occupation
- Receptionist at Vanantara Resort
- Perpetrators
- Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, Ankit Gupta
- Location
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Investigation Agency
- CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)
- FIR Filed Against
- Unknown VIP and Suresh Rathore
- Sentence
- Rigorous life imprisonment for Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta
Sources
Ankita Bhandari’s father says CBI probe should focus on ‘VIP angle’, go beyond what has already been revealed
Ankita Bhandari case: SIT grills ex-BJP MLA for 6 hrs
Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: FIR Filed Against ‘Unknown VIP’ After CBI Probe Announced
Uttarakhand CM recommends CBI inquiry into 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case
Hours after announcement of CBI probe, FIR against ‘VIP’ in Ankita Bhandari murder case
Ankita Murder Case: Congress Seeks 6-Month CBI Probe, Wants Uttarakhand CM to Resign
Uttarakhand Bandh: Police On High Alert, Protests Expected Over Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
‘Ankita Bhandari case reeks of BJP leaders’ involvement… Dhami govt evading CBI probe for 3 yrs’: state Cong chief
Ankita Bhandari murder case: Police intensifies security arrangements ahead of “Uttarakhand Bandh”