Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has highlighted the steps taken in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, including the early arrest of the accused, the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), prosecution before the court, financial assistance to the victim’s family and action on the family’s request for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
The government has stated that ensuring justice for Ankita Bhandari and supporting her family have remained important priorities throughout the case. The developments have also kept public attention focused on women’s safety, the investigation process and the need to address the concerns raised by the victim’s family.
Ankita Bhandari Case: Arrests and SIT Investigation
After the case came to light in September 2022, the state government said that the police acted promptly and arrested the accused within 24 hours. A Special Investigation Team was constituted to conduct a detailed investigation and collect evidence.
The investigation led to the filing of a chargesheet before the court, based on evidence and witness statements. The state government also highlighted legal action under the Gangsters Act as part of the measures taken against the accused.
The case involved the murder of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand. The investigation and subsequent judicial proceedings became a major public issue, drawing attention to women’s safety and accountability in cases involving serious crimes.
Court Sentences Three Convicts to Life Imprisonment
On May 30, 2025, a court in Kotdwar convicted Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta in the Ankita Bhandari murder case and sentenced all three to life imprisonment. The verdict followed the prosecution’s presentation of evidence during the trial.
The state government has cited the convictions and sentences as significant developments in the legal proceedings.
However, the judicial process has continued beyond the trial court’s verdict. In August 2026, the Uttarakhand High Court rejected the bail pleas of the three convicts while their appeals remained pending. The court proceedings and the family’s concerns remain important aspects of the case.
Government Changes Lawyers at Family’s Request
The Uttarakhand government has stated that it gave consideration to the concerns and requests of Ankita Bhandari’s parents during the legal process.
According to the government, government advocates were changed at the family’s request to address its concerns regarding the conduct of the prosecution.
The government has maintained that the victim’s family should be heard and that its concerns should be considered within the framework of the law. The handling of the case has also highlighted the importance of communication between authorities and families affected by serious crimes.
CBI Investigation Recommended Following Parents’ Demand
The demand for a CBI investigation became another important development in the case. In January 2026, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state government had recommended a CBI probe after Ankita’s parents requested an investigation by the central agency.
The decision followed renewed public attention and demands for further examination of the case. The government said it had acted in response to the family’s request and would seek a fair and transparent investigation.
The CBI probe recommendation is separate from the trial court’s earlier conviction and sentencing of the three accused. The family’s concerns and demands for further investigation have continued to feature in public discussions surrounding the case.
₹25 Lakh Financial Assistance Provided to Ankita’s Family
Alongside the legal proceedings, the state government provided ₹25 lakh in financial assistance to Ankita Bhandari’s family.
The government has also stated that steps were taken to provide employment to family members, including Ankita’s father and brother. These measures were presented as support intended to help the family cope with the financial and social difficulties following her death.
The assistance forms part of the government’s stated response to the family’s needs beyond the criminal justice process.
Dhami Government Reiterates Focus on Women’s Safety
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has repeatedly stated that crimes against women must be treated seriously and that action should be taken in accordance with the law.
The government has pointed to the arrests, SIT investigation, prosecution, court verdict, changes in government lawyers at the family’s request, financial assistance and recommendation for a CBI probe as steps taken in the case.
The matter also underlines the separate responsibilities of investigating agencies, prosecutors, courts and the state government. While the government is responsible for facilitating lawful investigation and prosecution and providing appropriate support, decisions on guilt, sentencing and bail rest with the judiciary.
Ankita Bhandari Case Remains a Focus of Public Attention
The Ankita Bhandari murder case continues to draw attention to women’s safety, the functioning of criminal investigations and the importance of addressing the concerns of victims’ families.
Although three accused were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the trial court, the subsequent appeals and the family’s demand for further investigation have kept the case in public discussion.
The Uttarakhand government’s stated position is that it has taken steps at different stages of the case, from the initial investigation to financial assistance and the recommendation for a CBI probe. The continuing judicial process and any further investigation will remain central to addressing the issues raised in the case.
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