By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Jan: As was indicated by Garhwal Post that the government is seriously considering ordering a CBI Inquiry into the Ankita Bhandari murder case, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, today, finally recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case. The CM stated that the decision has been taken while fully respecting the request and sentiments of Ankita’s parents. He also reiterated that the objective of the state government has always been and will continue to be, to ensure justice in a fair, transparent and sensitive manner from beginning to end.
Dhami reminded that immediately after information emerged about the extremely tragic and heart-rending incident involving Ankita Bhandari, the state government acted without delay and with utmost sensitivity and impartiality. Considering the gravity of the case, a Special Investigation Team was constituted at once under the leadership of a woman IPS officer. He said all the accused were arrested promptly and the state government ensured strong and effective prosecution, the outcome of which was that none of the accused could secure bail during the course of investigation and trial. Following a detailed investigation by the SIT, a charge-sheet was filed against the accused and, after completion of trial, the lower court awarded life imprisonment to the convicted persons.
After recommending the CBI Inquiry into the case, the CM maintained that the entire sequence of events stands as clear proof that the state government acted with fairness, transparency and resolve throughout the proceedings to ensure justice. He added that separate FIRs have also been registered in connection with certain audio clips circulated on social media in recent days, and investigations into those matters are continuing. Making the government’s position unambiguous, Dhami said no fact or evidence would be ignored and that the truth would be pursued to its logical conclusion. He said Ankita was not just a victim but a daughter and sister of the entire society and that the pain of the incident continues to be deeply felt.
The recommendation comes in the wake of CM’s meeting with Ankita Bhandari’s parents, during which they requested that the matter be handed over to the CBI. He reiterated that the government has remained committed to securing justice earlier as well and would continue to do so with full determination and sensitivity.
