Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday said the state government will continue to stand with Ankita Bhandari’s family to make sure that justice is delivered in the 2022 murder case.
Referring to a recent audio recording and social media posts connecting BJP leader Dushyant Gautam to the case, Dhami reiterated that he had recommended a CBI investigation into the matter.
During a public gathering in Uttarkashi, Dhami said, "I want to make it clear that our government took swift and decisive action in this case, ensuring that the culprits were punished according to the law. Recently, after some misleading audio recordings surfaced, I myself met with Ankita's parents, and at their request, I decided to recommend a CBI investigation into the matter."
“My government and I have stood firmly with Ankita's family from the very beginning to ensure justice for her, and we will continue to stand with them with sensitivity and commitment. Our government is working with complete dedication to protect the culture, honour, and identity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand,” he added.
Earlier, on January 7, the Delhi High Court restrained several defendants, including the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), from publishing or circulating social media content reportedly connecting Dushyant Kumar Gautam to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, after finding a prima facie case of defamation.
The Uttarakhand government has recommended a CBI probe into the 2022 case, keeping in view the sentiments of Ankita’s parents and the hardship they have faced since losing their daughter. He had also met Ankita Bhandari’s parents and assured them of the state government’s full support and commitment to justice.
Meanwhile, on January 9, a fresh FIR was registered in Dehradun in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder case, focusing on the alleged involvement of unknown “VIPs” and possible tampering of evidence. Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Anil Prakash Joshi filed a complaint citing social media discussions and audio-visual clips suggesting the involvement of VIPs.
Also Read: Ankita Bhandari case: BJP’s Dushyant Gautam files plea in HC
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