The Congress on Saturday (January 10, 2026) called for a time-bound and independent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Ankita Bhandari murder, insisting that the agency conclude the inquiry within six months and act against those accused of destroying evidence.
The murder that shook a mountain
The demand follows Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s decision to recommend a CBI inquiry into the 2022 killing of the 19-year-old resort receptionist, a move made after repeated appeals by her parents. The State unit of the Congress has been pressing for a federal probe, citing what it says are new developments in the case.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said the investigation must focus on the alleged “VIP angle” and ensure accountability for violations of workplace safety norms.
“We want the CBI to conduct an independent investigation of the VIP angle, take action against those who issued orders to destroy evidence, take action against the MLA who destroyed evidence, ensure strict compliance with safety laws at women’s workplaces and fix accountability for those providing political protection,” Ms. Lamba said.
