By Arun Pratap SinghGarhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Jan: In the wake of a video related to the Ankita murder case circulating on internet media and the Congress taking up the issue politically, the state government today placed its position on record. Addressing a press conference at the State BJP office, Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal today urged those levelling charges to come up with evidence and asserted that the government is ready for any kind of probe if it is produced. He also reminded that, after the murder incident had come to light, the government acted swiftly and the accused were ultimately awarded life imprisonment.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the case, Uniyal said the state government is fully prepared to face any level of investigation, provided those levelling allegations or any other person presents reliable and credible evidence. He reminded that the Supreme Court, while upholding the investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), has already declined a CBI probe and cautioned that any action initiated solely on the basis of unverified allegations could potentially provide legal advantage to the convicted criminals.
Uniyal also emphasised that the entire state of Uttarakhand was and is deeply grieved by the incident involving the daughter of the soil. He said the Dhami government has treated the issue and the case with utmost seriousness and sensitivity from the very beginning, immediately constituting an SIT headed by a woman DIG and it ensured the prompt arrest of the accused. He said all the forensic and practical evidence was collected meticulously and the case was pursued firmly in court. He added that the proceedings were carried out with the consent of the victim’s family in such a manner that the accused were not even granted bail, eventually leading to their conviction and life imprisonment.
In response to a question regarding the demand for a CBI inquiry, the Minister said the government has no hesitation in ordering any investigation, but emphasised that credible evidence must be presented first. He further issued a special appeal to those making allegations on social media to come forward with proof, assuring them that the government would take full responsibility for their security. He said that, if even a shred of truth is found in any evidence submitted by them or by any other party to the investigating agencies, the government would itself be ready to recommend the highest level of inquiry.
Responding to queries from journalists, Uniyal said that when a party approached the court after the completion of the investigation seeking a CBI recommendation, the Trial Court, the High Court and the Supreme Court all rejected the plea for further investigation, holding that the SIT proceedings were correct, competent and lawful. He said all the three courts observed that no attempt had been made to shield any VIP and that no involvement of any VIP was found during the investigation. He added that the case in the Trial Court was prosecuted by a Special Public Prosecutor appointed in accordance with the wishes of the deceased’s family, who raised no objections regarding either the investigation or any alleged VIP involvement.
Addressing allegations relating to the use of a bulldozer at the crime scene, Uniyal said the court had also accepted that the Forensic Science Laboratory team had collected all evidence before any demolition took place in the victim’s room. He alleged that misinformation was being spread to create a particular narrative and recalled that repeated appeals had been made during the investigation for anyone with evidence to come forward, but no such information was provided at that time.
However, reiterating the government’s position on the renewed demand for a CBI probe, the Minister said the state remains ready for any investigation once any solid proof is produced, but warned that taking such a decision without evidence could only benefit the convicts. He said contradictory statements appearing in audio and video clips circulating on social media regarding the cause of the tragic death could, if produced in court, weaken the case and potentially open a route for bail for the accused. He suggested that the actions of certain groups appeared to be part of a conspiracy aimed at benefiting the guilty, noting that the viral recording currently in circulation does not clearly mention its time or date.
Uniyal added that the reference to suicide in the recording appears intended to help the accused, who have already been sentenced for murder and cautioned that as the matter is currently under appeal, bringing such material into the public domain could assist the criminals. He expressed suspicion that the recording was likely prepared in a planned manner and deliberately leaked, adding that repeatedly naming one or two individuals without evidence seemed intended to cause personal harm.
Stating that the matter is extremely sensitive, Uniyal said that until credible evidence is produced by those making accusations, any hasty decision could undermine the entire legal process. He further alleged that those pressing for an investigation without proof are, in effect, attempting to protect criminals who are serving life imprisonment. BJP General Secretary Kundan Parihar, BJP State Media In-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan, Co-Media In-charge Rajendra Negi and State Spokesperson Kamlesh Raman were also present at the press conference.
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