CM addresses press conference on Govt’s position in Ankita Bhandari murder case
By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 6 Jan: The ongoing statewide agitation over the Ankita Bhandari murder case prompted Chief Minister Pushkar Singh to come forward and address a press conference here, today, to clarify the government’s position in this regard.
He addressed the press at the Secretariat Media Centre, here, today.
Dhami asserted that ensuring justice for Ankita Bhandari has remained the highest priority of the Uttarakhand Government and that every action taken so far has been marked by seriousness, sensitivity and complete transparency.
The CM spoke at length on the Ankita Bhandari murder case after outlining key aspects of the VB G Ram Ji (Viksit Bharat–G Ram Ji) Act, an ambitious initiative of the Government of India.
Dhami described the Ankita Bhandari murder as an extremely heart-rending incident and said the government had acted without delay from the very first day. He recalled that immediate instructions were issued for the arrest of the accused, all the three were promptly taken into custody and the entire legal process was followed meticulously. The CM reminded that for an impartial and thorough probe, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted under the leadership of senior woman IPS officer P Renuka Devi, which investigated the case in a transparent manner, examined every aspect in depth and collected information from all possible sources, including seeking inputs from individuals who claimed to have relevant information.
Dhami emphasised that, as a result of the government’s strong, effective and sustained judicial advocacy, all the three convicts have been awarded life imprisonment. He pointed out that not only the trial court, but also the High Court and the Supreme Court have expressed satisfaction over the SIT investigation. He added that this clearly reflects the fairness and robustness of the SIT probe. Responding to the questions regarding demands for a CBI inquiry, the CM said such petitions had also been moved, but the strength of the investigation and prosecution led to the harshest punishment for the guilty.
Dhami expressed concern over attempts to create an unnecessary atmosphere in the state on the basis of a purported audio clip. He reminded that the judicial process has already reached its logical conclusion and strict punishment has been delivered. He said that names of various persons are now being speculated through different audio clips, sometimes suggesting murder and at other times suicide. The CM apprehended and questioned whether a conspiracy is being hatched to vitiate the atmosphere. He also noted that it is noteworthy that a press conference (of the Congress) over the audio clip was held directly in Delhi rather than Dehradun, creating a political storm and warned that today one name is taken and tomorrow another, without any substantiated evidence.
On the issue of further investigation into the audio clip, Dhami asserted that the government is ready for every kind of probe and has constituted an SIT to examine the matter. He made it clear that no one who has committed any wrongdoing will be spared under any circumstances. He added that, if anyone has any concrete evidence regarding the case, he or she should come forward and present it instead of fleeing or spreading confusion. He reiterated with assurance that no guilty person will escape and that accountability is inevitable.
Dhami also indicated that he would personally speak to Ankita’s father and emphasised that while the sentiments of the entire state are associated with the case, the most affected are Ankita’s parents. Any future decision, including on the issue of a CBI inquiry, will be taken only after keeping in mind their emotions, pain and expectations. He reaffirmed that the state government remains fully committed to the safety, dignity and justice of daughters.
Responding to questions on protests being held across the state, the CM said clarity will soon emerge and the truth will come out as the haze lifts and clouds disperse. He stated that creating unrest in the name of Ankita Bhandari is unacceptable and appealed that the issue of the state’s daughter should not be used for political ground-seeking. On differing statements by some party leaders, he termed it an internal party matter but observed that such remarks have created confusion, even though the government’s stand is absolutely clear and consistent.
When asked about names being mentioned in the audio clip, including that of Suresh Rathore, Dhami said Rathore is no longer in the party and being a responsible person, he should answer the questions raised. The CM asserted that he had come to the press conference to respond to even the toughest questions and would do so without hesitation. On allegations of a conspiracy within the party, the CM denied any such claims, stating that he enjoys the support of seniors and the party high command and that such speculation keeps surfacing from time to time.
On the queries regarding the time taken by the police to apprehend persons named in connection with the audio clip, Dhami said the police are doing their job in accordance with the law, notices are being issued and the mobile locations are being traced and that due process is being followed in every case.
Among those present during the press conference were BJP state president and Rajya Sabha MP Mahendra Bhatt, BJP MLA Dileep Rawat and BJP state general secretary Kundan Parihar.
It may be recalled that the alleged VIP angle in the Ankita Bhandari murder case has intensified in recent days, triggering protests and demonstrations across the state. The issue has gained significant public traction, which the Congress is seeking to politically leverage, even as the mounting protests have put the state government under pressure, prompting ministers and, finally, the Chief Minister to address the media in detail.
