Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: CBI Summons Actress Urmila Sanawar for Narco-Analysis Test
CBI issues notice to actress Urmila Sanawar for a narco-analysis test in the Ankita Bhandari murder case following a viral audio clip.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has ramped up its probe into the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case, serving a formal notice to actress Urmila Sanawar. The actress has been called to undergo a narco-analysis test as part of the agency's efforts to uncover deeper truths surrounding the brutal crime.
Notice Served Following Viral Audio Clip
The move comes on the heels of an investigation into a viral audio clip linked to the murder. On Wednesday, a CBI team visited Sanawar's residence in Saharanpur to deliver the official notice. This followed a preliminary session on October 18, during which the actress was questioned by investigators for approximately four hours.
According to Sanawar, a CBI officer contacted her to confirm her presence at home before the team arrived to serve the summons. The notice directs her to appear in person on October 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The primary purpose of this appearance is to determine if she is willing to undergo the Polygraph and Narco tests voluntarily, without any coercion, threat, or undue influence.
Actress Questions CBI's Timeline
While expressing her willingness to cooperate fully with the federal agency, Urmila Sanawar did not hold back her criticism regarding the pace of the investigation. She questioned why the probe seemed to have been "on the back burner" for the last nine months.
"If the justice process had moved this swiftly from the very beginning, then perhaps Ankita Bhandari’s parents would not have had to sit in protest outside India Gate," Sanawar stated.
She further suggested that the current acceleration in the CBI's inquiry is a result of public pressure and the opposition raising the issue, implying that without these factors, the case might still be in "cold storage."
Political Undertones and "VIP" Involvement
The investigation has taken a sensitive turn amid allegations of "VIP" involvement. Sanawar pointed out that the appointment of a person allegedly linked to the criminal category of this case to a high post has deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Uttarakhand.
This controversy has intensified following the appointment of Dushyant Gautam, the former BJP Uttarakhand in-charge, as the Governor of Sikkim.
Broadening the Net: Other Interrogations
The CBI is not only focusing on Sanawar. The agency has been active in questioning several individuals linked to the case:
- Urmila Sanawar: Questioned for four hours on October 18 and now summoned for a narco test in Dehradun.
- Suresh Rathore: The former Uttarakhand BJP MLA was visited by a CBI team at his residence on a recent Saturday. Speaking to reporters in Haridwar, Rathore stated that he provided full cooperation and shared all necessary information with the investigators.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes are now on the proceedings in Dehradun on October 23, where the court will ascertain Sanawar's consent for the lie detection tests.