In late December 2025, the Ankita Bhandari murder case once again returned to the national spotlight after fresh FIRs were registered, political tensions escalated, and renewed demands for justice surfaced across Uttarakhand and beyond. What began as a tragic crime in 2022 has now evolved into a wider debate on accountability, transparency, and the influence of power in high-profile criminal cases.
Fresh FIRs Filed Amid New Allegations
The Uttarakhand Police recently registered two fresh FIRs linked to the Ankita Bhandari case following the circulation of viral audio and video clips on social media. These clips allegedly made serious claims involving political figures, triggering widespread discussion and controversy.
According to officials, the FIRs were lodged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act. The focus of these FIRs is on the circulation of allegedly defamatory and misleading digital content. Police authorities have stated that the action is part of an effort to maintain the integrity of the investigation while examining the authenticity and intent behind the viral material.
Political Controversy and BJP’s Response
The resurgence of the case has ignited sharp political reactions in Uttarakhand. The viral content circulating online has drawn responses from senior BJP leaders, who have strongly denied any involvement or wrongdoing.
Party leaders have maintained that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated. Requests have been made to authorities to remove what they describe as fabricated content from digital platforms. The BJP leadership has also accused opposition parties of attempting to revive the case to create political pressure rather than respecting the outcome of the judicial process.
Opposition Demands for a CBI Probe
Opposition parties, led by the Congress, have intensified their demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the Ankita Bhandari case. They argue that fresh allegations and unanswered questions warrant an independent and transparent investigation under judicial supervision.
Several demonstrations and protests have been reported across Uttarakhand, with activists and political workers demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari. Protesters claim that only a central agency probe can restore public trust and ensure that no influential individual is shielded.
Background of the Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
Ankita Bhandari was a 19-year-old receptionist working at a private resort near Rishikesh. She went missing in September 2022, and her body was later recovered from a canal. The incident sparked massive public outrage, raising serious concerns about women’s safety and alleged misuse of power.
In May 2025, a court convicted the main accused, including the resort owner Pulkit Arya and two others, sentencing them to life imprisonment. While the verdict brought legal closure to the primary case, public discourse around the role of influential individuals has continued.
Public Anger and Renewed Calls for Justice
The latest developments have reignited public anger and debate. Civil society groups, women’s rights activists, and legal experts have emphasized that justice must not only be delivered but must also be seen to be delivered.
Many believe that transparency in investigating all allegations—past and present—is essential to uphold public faith in the justice system. The Ankita Bhandari case has increasingly become a symbol of broader concerns related to governance, accountability, and women’s safety in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Ankita Bhandari?
Ankita Bhandari was a 19-year-old woman employed as a receptionist at a resort near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Her murder in 2022 triggered nationwide outrage.
2. What led to the registration of new FIRs?
The new FIRs were filed after audio and video clips containing serious allegations went viral on social media, prompting police action.
3. Are these FIRs related to the original murder case?
No, the fresh FIRs primarily focus on the circulation of allegedly defamatory and misleading digital content rather than reopening the murder investigation.
4. Who were convicted in the Ankita Bhandari murder case?
Pulkit Arya, the resort owner, along with two associates, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2025.
5. Why is the case back in the news now?
The case resurfaced due to viral allegations, political reactions, and renewed demands for a CBI probe.
6. What is the opposition demanding?
Opposition parties are demanding a court-monitored CBI investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.
7. What is the BJP’s stand on the matter?
The BJP has denied all allegations and claims that the controversy is being fueled for political reasons.
8. Have any new arrests been made?
As of now, no new arrests related to the murder have been reported following the latest FIRs.
9. How has the public reacted?
The developments have sparked protests, debates, and widespread discussion on social media and news platforms.
10. Why is this case significant?
The Ankita Bhandari case is seen as a crucial test of justice, transparency, and women’s safety in cases involving alleged political influence.
Conclusion
The Ankita Bhandari case continues to resonate deeply with the public, even years after the crime. While the courts have delivered verdicts against the main accused, fresh FIRs and political controversy show that public trust remains fragile. As demands for deeper scrutiny grow louder, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the renewed focus leads to greater transparency or further polarization.
Report by Toofan Express