Ankita Bhandari case reeks of BJP leaders’ involvement, Dhami govt evading CBI probe for 3 years: Uttarakhand Congress chief

What happened: Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal has intensified allegations against the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led BJP government, accusing it of shielding influential figures in the Ankita Bhandari murder case.

• Why it matters now: Protests have resurged across Uttarakhand, keeping the case in the public spotlight ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

• What changes for people: The renewed political pressure could revive demands for a CBI investigation and greater accountability in high-profile crimes.

• Who is affected: Ankita Bhandari’s family, protestors, the state government, and voters closely tracking justice and governance issues.

The murder of Ankita Bhandari, a young woman whose death sparked statewide outrage, has once again moved to the centre of Uttarakhand’s political debate. Ganesh Godiyal, recently appointed as Uttarakhand Congress president, has accused the ruling BJP of deliberately blocking a CBI probe into the case for nearly three years, alleging involvement of powerful individuals.

Speaking amid a fresh wave of protests, Godiyal said the continued refusal to hand over the investigation raises serious questions about governance and transparency in the state.

Allegations against the state government

Godiyal claimed that the Dhami government has failed to act impartially, despite repeated demands from civil society and opposition parties. According to him, the government’s reluctance to order a CBI investigation has deepened public mistrust.

He questioned recent remarks by the Uttarakhand BJP president, who reportedly dismissed protests by suggesting that electoral victories since 2022 proved the issue lacked public relevance. Godiyal described this stance as arrogance and insensitive to the family seeking justice.

Defamation suit and political row

The controversy has also taken a legal turn. Godiyal has been named in a defamation suit filed by a senior BJP leader whose name has been allegedly linked to the case. Addressing this, the Congress leader said the suit was an attempt to intimidate voices demanding accountability rather than answer legitimate questions.

He rejected accusations by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami that the Congress was trying to sensationalise the matter, stating that the party’s campaign is focused on justice, not political gain.

Nyay Yatra and public mobilisation

As part of its renewed push, the Congress has launched a statewide Nyay Yatra, aimed at keeping public attention on the case. The party says the outreach reflects growing anger among citizens over what they see as delays and lack of transparency in the investigation.

Legal experts note that while the case is currently under the state police framework, the decision to transfer it to the CBI lies with the state government or the courts. So far, no official announcement has been made regarding such a move.