The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team probing the Ankita Bhandari murder case visited the residence of Urmila Sanawar, who is alleged to be the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday to question her in connection with the case.
A four-member team, including a woman officer, reached Sanawar’s residence as part of the investigation into the high-profile murder, which continues to draw public and political attention over allegations of the involvement of an unidentified VIP. The family has urged the government to ensure that the investigation establishes the role of everyone involved and that all those found guilty of their daughter’s murder face strict punishment.
Ankita Bhandari murder case
In a video message, she demanded that the CBI question her in the presence of the media, arguing that the investigation was not being conducted under the supervision of a sitting Supreme Court judge. The CBI took over the investigation in February this year. The developments heightened political tensions, with Opposition parties and several organisations renewing their demand for a CBI probe. They later met CBI officials alongside Garhwal BJP MP Anil Baluni.
On January 9, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally recommended a CBI investigation amid growing public pressure and calls for transparency. Following an investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), a 500-page charge sheet was filed, naming 97 witnesses. Of these, 47 testified before the court.
Its Delhi-based Special Crime Branch registered a case against an “unknown VIP” in connection with the matter.
Earlier this week, Sanawar attended a press conference in New Delhi alongside Ankita Bhandari’s parents. Earlier this week, Bhandari’s parents staged a sit-in at India Gate, demanding that Gautam’s appointment be put on hold while the CBI investigation continues.
