"Govt ensured impartial, transparent course of action": Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal on Ankita Bhandari case

Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], January 2 (ANI): Uttarakhand Minister Subodh Uniyal on Friday clarified the state government's position on the developments related to the Ankita Bhandari murder case stating that from the very beginning, it has ensured an impartial, transparent, and stringent course of action in the case.
Speaking to ANI, he stated that immediately after the incident came to light, the state government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of a woman IPS officer.
All the accused in the case were arrested, and the government ensured effective legal representation; as a result, none of the accused were granted bail during the investigation and judicial proceedings.
Uniyal further informed that during the investigation, a petition was also filed before the Hon'ble High Court seeking a CBI probe. However, the Nainital High Court expressed confidence in the SIT's investigation and declined the request for a CBI inquiry. Subsequently, the matter was also taken to the Hon'ble Supreme Court, which expressed satisfaction with the investigation and dismissed the petition.
Following a detailed investigation by the SIT, a chargesheet was filed against the accused, and after completion of the trial, the lower court awarded life imprisonment to the convicts.
The Cabinet Minister said that separate FIRs have been registered in connection with the audio clips recently circulating on social media, and their investigation is underway. If any new facts or evidence emerge during the probe, strict action will be taken in accordance with the law. He also clarified that the government will provide security to anyone who comes forward with evidence.
He further stated that if anyone had any information or evidence related to the case, it could have been shared with the SIT during the investigation. At that time, the police also publicly appealed to anyone with information or evidence related to VIPs or other individuals to share it with the investigating agencies.
Uniyal emphasised that the state government's intent is clear--to ensure a fair, transparent, and thorough investigation of the case without overlooking any facts. The government is committed to leaving no stone unturned in pursuing justice and to taking strict, appropriate action against the guilty, based solely on the truth. (ANI)