Uttarakhand: In the Ankita Bhandari murder case, a war of words has now erupted between the Congress and the BJP over the demand for a CBI investigation

Even though Chief Minister Dhami has recommended a CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case, the political controversy surrounding the matter shows no signs of abating. BJP President Bhatt described the CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case as being in line with public sentiment. He said that the opposition’s lies and misinformation would now be exposed.

BJP President Mahendra Bhatt welcomed Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s decision to order a CBI investigation into the Ankita murder case, calling it consistent with public sentiment and stating that it would expose the opposition’s lies. He said that the government had sent Ankita’s killers to jail and conducted an impartial investigation into the case. However, the government took this decision respecting the wishes of Ankita’s parents.

He said that the opposition has been politicizing this issue from the beginning, but to ensure there is no room for doubt whatsoever, a CBI investigation has been recommended. He termed the Congress’s allegations regarding the naming of the nursing college after Ankita as political lies. He also strongly criticized attempts to divide society and spoil the atmosphere in the name of seeking justice for Ankita Bhandari.

Mahendra Bhatt urged all parties to stop politicizing the Ankita case. Responding to a question about the doubts raised regarding the nursing college name change, he said that it was unbelievable and that they lacked proper knowledge of the rules. He added that the government order regarding the naming of the Shrikot Government Nursing College after Ankita had already been implemented following the Chief Minister’s announcement. He expressed regret that for Congress leaders, the death of Ankita, a young girl, is merely a political issue. This is why neither the opinion of the victim’s family nor the nursing college itself holds any importance for them.

What did the opposition say about the CBI investigation?

Uttarakhand Congress State President Ganesh Godiyal termed the order for a CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case as insufficient. He said that while it is a victory for the aware people of Devbhoomi (Uttarakhand), it is an incomplete victory. Godiyal said that the BJP government is in power at both the center and the state. In this situation, it is natural for questions to be raised about the impartiality and credibility of the CBI.

Those facing serious allegations hold influential positions and are associated with the ruling party. Therefore, merely ordering a CBI investigation does not allay public concerns. He said that this case is so sensitive and serious that the investigation should have been conducted under the supervision of a sitting judge of the High Court or the Supreme Court; only then can the truth come to light.

The state president said that by ordering a CBI investigation, the Dhami government has admitted that it made a huge mistake in the past. It is good that the government has tried to rectify its error, but this effort is still insufficient. Godiyal clearly stated that until the VIPs involved in the Ankita Bhandari murder case are exposed, until the names of the officers who ordered the demolition are revealed and they are punished, the Congress party’s struggle will continue.

He said that the people of Uttarakhand still want answers to many unresolved questions. The government should also ensure that the CBI investigation is completely time-bound so that there is no delay in justice and the culprits are punished as soon as possible. The Uttarakhand Congress will continue its struggle from the streets to the legislature to get justice for Ankita, the daughter of Devbhoomi, and no culprit will be spared.