Ankita Bhandari murder case: Padma Shri Anil Prakash Joshi files complaint citing social media discussions, audio-video clips suggesting "VIPs" involvement

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], January 10 (ANI): A new FIR has been registered in Dehradun regarding the Ankita Bhandari murder case, focusing on the alleged involvement of unknown "VIPs" and potential evidence tampering.
Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee Anil Prakash Joshi filed a complaint on Friday, citing social media discussions and audiovisual clips suggesting VIPs' involvement.
Joshi had requested a separate investigation into the "VIPs" to ensure all the facts are unveiled, and complete justice is served, the Garhwal Range Police said.
On January 9, 2026, Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi filed a formal complaint at the Basant Vihar Police Station. This resulted in the registration of FIR No. 06/2026. The police have invoked specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The case has been registered as FIR No. 06/2026 under Sections 238 (Causing disappearance of evidence of an offense), 249 (Giving false information to screen an offender) and 45 (Abetment of the offense) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Joshi's complaint highlights a critical gap in the delivery of justice. While the direct perpetrators of the murder have reportedly been punished, Joshi pointed to persistent audio and video clips circulating on social media and in public discourse.
Joshi asserted that a separate, independent investigation is necessary to identify these entities, as this constitutes a distinct offense from the murder itself.
The FIR further emphasises that, since the entire matter concerns unknown VIPs, a separate, independent, and impartial investigation is essential to bring all facts to light.
The police administration and the Government of Uttarakhand are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
Given the sensitivity of the case, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami personally spoke with Ankita Bhandari's parents and heard their views.
Citing the "gravity of the matter," the CM Dhami directed that the probe be transferred to the CBI to ensure impartiality.
The Garhwal Range Police confirmed that all relevant documents have been moved from the Range Office to Police Headquarters. From there, they are being forwarded to the central agency via the state government.
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist, was murdered in September 2022 at Vanantra Resort in Yamkeshwar, Uttarakhand. Three accused, including the resort owner's son Pulkit Arya, were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in May 2025. (ANI)