FIR filed to identify ‘VIPs’ in Ankita Bhandari murder case

The Uttarakhand Police filed an FIR on Saturday, January 10, 2026, to identify ‘VIPs’ allegedly linked to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, officials said. The development comes a day after the State government recommended a CBI probe into the matter.

The FIR was lodged at Vasant Vihar police station in Dehradun on a complaint filed by Padma Bhushan award-winning environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi to the Director General of Police.

In his complaint, Mr. Joshi stated that the culprits involved in Ankita’s murder were convicted, but allegations were made that evidence was concealed or destroyed.

The official added that an investigation into the crime involving an unidentified person identified as a “VIP” was necessary to ensure full justice.

Based on the complaint, the police registered an FIR under sections 238, 249 and 45 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that the FIR should have been filed by Ankita’s parents.

“The person named in the FIR is a highly respected person, but it would have been better if the FIR had been filed in the name of Ankita’s parents,” he said in a social media post, adding that the State government should have summoned Ankita’s father Virendra Singh and with the help of social workers, prepare the complaint as per its desired FIR.

Opposition parties, however, are adamant that the CBI investigation be conducted under the supervision of a sitting Supreme Court or High Court judge.

Various political and social organizations called for an “Uttarakhand Bandh” on Sunday to press for this demand.

State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal said the party will support the State-wide bandh.

Garhwal Inspector General of Police Rajiv Swaroop said the police had made extensive preparations to maintain security, law and order in terms of bandh.

Mr. Swaroop also appealed to all parties to refrain from provocative posts on social media during this period.