The high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case in Uttarakhand has taken a new turn following public statements made by Vinod Arya, father of the primary convict Pulkit Arya. Appearing alongside his legal counsel Amit Pundir at the Haridwar Press Club on Sunday, November 15, the former state minister released an alleged 4,885-page transcript of chat messages between Ankita Bhandari and a male friend. During the press interaction, Arya made accusations regarding the deceased's character while strongly denying the presence or involvement of any VIP in the crime.
Demand for CBI to Review Chat Documents
Addressing the press, Vinod Arya alleged that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was unable to carry out an unbiased inquiry originally due to immense public and political pressure. He stated that their appeal currently pending before the High Court has experienced delays in hearing. Requesting intervention, Arya demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) integrate the newly presented 4,885-page chat records into its ongoing probe to ensure a fair evaluation of all surrounding facts.
Background and Legal History of the Case
The case dates back to late 2022 at the Vanantara Resort, situated in Ganga Bhogpur within Uttarakhand's Pauri district. Ankita Bhandari, aged 22, had joined the resort as a receptionist on August 28, 2022. Less than a month into her employment, she went missing on September 18, 2022. Following an extensive search, authorities recovered her body from the Chila canal on September 24, 2022.
Subsequent investigation revealed that resort proprietor Pulkit Arya had been pressuring Bhandari to extend special services to an unidentified VIP customer. Following her refusal, she was murdered. Law enforcement officials arrested Pulkit Arya, Ankit Gupta, and Saurabh Bhaskar in connection with the crime. In May 2025, the Kotdwar District and Sessions Court found all three men guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. At present, the CBI remains tasked with investigating the murder case and determining any potential VIP involvement.
