DEHRADUN: In a renewed pledge to pursue justice in the high-profile 2022 resort murder case, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said the state government is prepared to support “all forms of probe” to ensure truth and accountability emerge, and confirmed that he will meet the family of the victim to personally assure them of the government’s commitment.
The remarks came amid sustained public pressure, demonstrations and widespread calls for transparency in the investigation of the killing of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari, who was murdered near Rishikesh nearly three years ago. Although three primary accused, the resort owner and two employees, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in May 2025, many sections of the public have demanded broader investigation into alleged links of influential persons with the case.
Our correspondent reports that speaking to reporters after an official review meeting on Tuesday, Dhami said, “We are open to any form of inquiry, be it by the state police, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or any other agency that may help uncover the truth and strengthen public confidence.”
The Chief Minister said the government’s priority remains a fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation, and expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts of law-enforcement agencies. “Justice should not only be done, but must also be seen to be done,” he added, underscoring the sensitive nature of the case that has drawn nationwide attention.
Dhami also said he would be meeting Ankita’s parents soon to convey the government’s support and listen to their concerns personally. “It is important for us to engage with the bereaved family, to hear their expectations and to reassure them that the state stands with them in their quest for justice,” the Chief Minister said.
Our correspondent adds that the comments by Dhami appeared aimed at calming public sentiment, which has been inflamed in recent weeks by renewed protests and social-media campaigns demanding a broader investigation. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for a court-monitored CBI probe, arguing that only a central investigation can address alleged lapses and eliminate perceptions of bias.
Asked about the possibility of a CBI investigation, Dhami said the state government will provide full cooperation if such a move is sanctioned, and that the government does not have any apprehensions about scrutiny by central agencies. “If ordering a CBI probe helps strengthen justice delivery and ensures transparency, we have no objection,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come in the backdrop of several protests across the state, where demonstrators have demanded the inclusion of all relevant evidence and potential leads in the official record. Many protestors have alleged that certain details and testimonies have not been fully explored, leading to fears that the entire truth may not have been uncovered.
Dhami said that law enforcement agencies, including the Uttarakhand Police and SIT, have worked in accordance with law and judicial directives. “The investigation has been conducted professionally,” he said, adding that anyone found to be culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Our correspondent reports that the deputy chief of the Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly welcomed the government’s stance but said that public confidence can only be restored with an independent and transparent probe. “Words are welcome, but actions speak louder,” the leader said, calling for concrete judicial oversight of any further investigation.
The renewed focus on the case occurred as the legal community and human-rights advocates weighed in on the need for thorough examination of all aspects, including ancillary evidence and social influence. Many have pointed out that high-profile cases like this have a lasting impact on public trust in law enforcement and the judicial system.
During his interaction with the media, Dhami reiterated that the government respects judicial independence and will abide by any legal directive that emerges from higher courts in relation to the case. “No institution should feel threatened by an honest inquiry,” he said.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister’s planned meeting with Ankita’s parents is expected to take place this week, in which senior officials from the Home Department and the Police will also be present. The family’s response to the government outreach is likely to set the tone for further public debate on the issue.
As protests and political rhetoric continue, the Uttarakhand government’s willingness to consider all forms of investigation, including involvement of central agencies or judicial supervision, represents a strategic attempt to address widespread demands for accountability, transparency and closure in the painful chapter of the resort murder case.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
