Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s prolonged silence on the Ankita Bhandari murder case has sparked fierce protests, with opposition parties demanding a CBI probe into alleged VIP involvement despite recent convictions.
The Ankita Bhandari murder case, which horrified Uttarakhand in 2022, has resurfaced with renewed vigour in early 2026, placing Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami under intense scrutiny.
On January 4, protesters from the Congress party, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, and various civil society groups marched towards the CM’s residence in Dehradun, only to be halted by heavy police barricades.
Their primary demand: a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into claims of high-profile figures being shielded in the case. Activist Mohit Dimri, leading the charge, declared, “We will enforce a statewide shutdown across Uttarakhand on January 11 unless all suspects, including VIPs, are brought under investigation.”
This outburst stems from recently surfaced audio clips attributed to Urmila Sanwar, a key witness, allegedly naming influential individuals like a Noida pradhan and a senior BJP leader.
Despite police assertions that no VIPs were involved, as stated by Haridwar SP, public outrage has swelled, with demonstrations spilling over to Delhi.
The family’s grief remains raw. Ankita’s parents have publicly lamented that justice feels incomplete without probing these shadowy angles. Opposition leaders, including former CM Harish Rawat, have amplified the chorus, accusing the BJP government of protecting its own.
Rawat posted on social media, questioning why the CM remains mute when “new evidence demands action.”
Meanwhile, cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal hit back, challenging protesters to furnish concrete proof rather than indulging in “political drama,” and reaffirmed faith in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe ordered by Dhami himself.
CM Dhami’s Silence Fuels Backlash
Pushkar Singh Dhami’s reticence on the matter has become the focal point of criticism, with detractors branding it his potential “Achilles heel.” Since the case reignited post-Christmas 2025, the CM has neither addressed public rallies nor issued statements, leaving his administration to field questions through surrogates.
A viral social media post from January 4 bluntly stated, “Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s silence on Ankita Bhandari murder case will turn out to be his Achilles heel,” capturing the sentiment rippling through opposition circles and social media.
Political analysts note that with bypolls looming and the 2027 assembly elections on the horizon, this perceived inaction could erode the BJP’s strongman image in the hill state, where Dhami’s aggressive governance style has been both asset and liability.
Dhami’s track record offers context. Upon assuming office in 2021, he swiftly ordered an SIT into Ankita’s death, vowing “zero tolerance” for crime. Yet, as protests peaked outside his Delhi residence on January 3, no personal intervention followed.
BJP insiders whisper of internal calculations: distancing from the tainted resort owned by the son of an expelled party leader, Vinod Arya, while avoiding a CBI probe that could unearth uncomfortable truths.
Opposition parties have capitalised, calling statewide bandhs and pasting notices at witnesses’ homes, escalating the pressure cooker atmosphere.
Unravelling the 2022 Tragedy
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at Vanantara Resort in Pauri Garhwal, disappeared on September 18, 2022, after a routine shift. Her body surfaced in the Rishiganga river canal days later, sparking statewide fury.
Initial investigations revealed she faced pressure to “serve a VIP guest,” a phrase that ignited conspiracy theories. Resort owner Pulkit Arya-son of BJP leader Vinod Arya-along with employees Saurabh Bhasker and Ankit Gupta, confessed to pushing her off a gorge during an argument.
In May 2025, a Kotdwar court sentenced all three to life imprisonment, a verdict hailed as swift justice by the government.
However, loose ends linger. Destroyed CCTV footage, coerced witness testimonies, and the elusive “VIP” reference in chats-now linked to a Noida pradhan-have kept suspicions alive.
The SIT probe, lauded initially, faced flak for not pursuing higher-ups. Urmila Sanwar’s recent audio has reopened wounds, prompting police to serve her a notice on January 4, tightening the noose on potential leads.
Protests have humanised the narrative: placards reading “Justice for Ankita” dot Dehradun streets, while families of other missing women invoke her name for systemic reform.
Political Battleground Intensifies
The case has morphed into a Congress-BJP slugfest. Congress alleges a cover-up to shield BJP affiliates, with leaders like Harish Rawat demanding Dhami’s resignation. Uttarakhand Kranti Dal’s demand for a shutdown underscores regional discontent, blending grief with anti-establishment fervour.
The BJP counters that the opposition is exploiting tragedy for votes, pointing to the convictions as proof of their commitment. Yet, with protests raging across Uttarakhand-from Pauri to Haridwar-and calls for CBI growing louder, Dhami’s government walks a tightrope.
Vital statistics paint a grim picture: Uttarakhand reported 78 dowry deaths and over 200 crimes against women in 2024, per NCRB data, amplifying Ankita’s case as emblematic of deeper failures. Protesters vow to persist “until Ankita gets justice,” as one banner proclaimed.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
True justice transcends convictions; it demands unflinching transparency to heal divided communities and restore faith in governance.
CM Dhami’s silence risks alienating citizens who seek empathy over evasion, undermining the harmony essential to Uttarakhand’s serene hills.
By prioritising dialogue, kindness, and a CBI-led probe, leaders can honour Ankita’s memory, foster coexistence, and drive reforms for women’s safety.
