Ankita Bhandari Case: CBI Team Reaches Former MLA Suresh Rathore’s Home
CBI officials visit former Uttarakhand MLA Suresh Rathore's residence following a meeting between Ankita Bhandari's parents and the CBI Director.
The investigation into the high-profile Ankita Bhandari case has intensified as a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrived at the residence of former Uttarakhand MLA Suresh Rathore on Saturday. This strategic move follows a series of urgent developments and growing pressure from the victim's family to ensure that no influential figure escapes justice.
Direct Intervention and High-Level Meetings
The CBI's visit comes immediately after a significant meeting in the national capital. On Friday, the parents of Ankita Bhandari, accompanied by Member of Parliament Anil Baluni, met with the CBI Director at the agency's headquarters in Delhi. During this encounter, the parents provided critical information and shared various perspectives regarding the case that they believe are essential for a complete investigation.
In response to the family's concerns, senior CBI officials have provided assurances that the probe will be conducted in a fair, impartial, and thorough manner, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of the truth.
The 'VIP' Controversy and Political Tension
The case has taken a political turn amid allegations regarding the involvement of a "VIP." Tensions escalated further following the appointment of Dushyant Gautam, the former BJP Uttarakhand in-charge, as the Governor of Sikkim. This appointment sparked a strong reaction from Ankita's parents, who view the ongoing probe as incomplete.
In a desperate bid for justice, the parents staged a sit-in protest at India Gate in Delhi. They demanded that the appointment of Dushyant Gautam be opposed until the CBI concludes its investigation fully. This protest led to their detention by the police, though they were later released from the Tilak Marg Police Station.
Police Stand on Initial Investigation
While the CBI continues its probe, the Uttarakhand police have defended their initial handling of the crime. Additional Director General of Police (Crime and Law & Order), V Murugesan, stated during a media briefing in Dehradun that the police acted with extreme promptness.
According to the ADG, the following actions were taken immediately after the incident at the Vantara Resort, which falls under the Laxman Jhula Police Station jurisdiction:
- Rapid Arrests: Three accused individuals were apprehended within 24 hours of the crime and remain in custody.
- SIT Formation: Under the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was quickly established.
- Leadership: To ensure a sensitive and effective probe, a woman IPS officer of DIG rank was appointed to lead the SIT.
As the CBI delves deeper into the residence of the former MLA, the focus remains on whether the agency will uncover evidence linking high-ranking individuals to the tragic murder of the young woman.