By Arun Pratap SinghGarhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 10 Jan: In a fresh development in the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case, noted environmentalist and Padma Bhushan awardee Anil Prakash Joshi has lodged a complaint against an unidentified ‘VIP’, seeking a separate and independent investigation into the individual’s alleged role. Joshi submitted a written complaint to the Home Department and the DGP Uttarakhand, following which, DGP Deepam Seth has directed the Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh to initiate an inquiry. Acting on these directions, a case was on Saturday registered at Vasant Vihar police station against ‘unknown persons’ and investigation has begun.
In his letter addressed to DGP Deepam Seth, Joshi stated that ongoing media reports, audio and video clips circulating on social media platforms and discussions in the public domain indicate that certain unidentified individuals, repeatedly referred to as ‘VIPs’, may have been involved in an independent offence connected with the Ankita Bhandari case. He pointed out that although those convicted in the case have already been punished, allegations persist on social media suggesting that crucial evidence may have been concealed or destroyed. Joshi maintained that in order to ensure complete justice, it is essential that the role of these unidentified ‘VIPs’ be probed separately through a fair and impartial investigation.
Following the complaint, the DGO entrusted the matter to Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh and directed the Vasant Vihar police station to register a case. SHO Ashok Rathore confirmed that a case has been registered against unknown persons on the basis of Joshi’s complaint and that the investigation is currently underway.
IG Garhwal Rajeev Swaroop also stated that a case has been registered against unidentified persons following the complaint and informed that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed that the matter be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. In compliance with these instructions, the Garhwal Range has forwarded the case to police headquarters, from where it will be sent to the Central agency for further action.
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