PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has recommended the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in Ankita Bhandari murder case. The decision follows widespread protests in the State following new disclosures made by Urmila Sanwar, the estranged wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore in the case. The parents of Ankita Bhandari too had demanded a CBI probe in the murder of their daughter during their meeting with CM on Wednesday. In a statement the CM said, “ The government’s objective has always been to ensure justice in a fair, transparent and sensitive manner from the very beginning, and this commitment will continue in the future as well,’’ he said. The CM said that immediately after the unfortunate incident involving Ankita came to light, the State government acted promptly with complete sensitivity and impartiality. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was immediately constituted under the leadership of a woman IPS officer. The CM said that all the accused related to the case were swiftly arrested and the State government ensured strong and effective legal representation. As a result, none of the accused were granted bail during the investigation and trial. After a thorough investigation by the SIT, a chargesheet was filed against the accused and upon completion of the trial, the lower court awarded life imprisonment to the convicts. He said the entire process clearly demonstrates that the State government ensured justice with fairness, transparency and firmness from start to finish. He also mentioned that in recent days, separate FIRs have been registered regarding certain audio clips circulated on social media and investigations into those matters are ongoing. “The State government’s intent is absolutely clear and that no fact or evidence will be overlooked. Ankita was not just a victim but was also our sister and daughter,’’ he said. The CM said that in a recent meeting, the parents of Ankita Bhandari requested a CBI investigation into the matter. Respecting this request and the sentiments of Ankita’s parents, the State government has decided to have the case investigated by the CBI, he said.
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