PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Ankita Bhandari Nyay Yatra Sanyukt Sangharsh Manch (ABNYSSM) has announced a series of protests, reiterating its demand for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the Ankita Bhandari murder case.
Addressing the media here on Thursday, activist Kamla Pant said that Bhandari’s parents met the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday and placed their demands before him. She said a meeting was held at the CM residence in the presence of the director general of police and other senior officials. The parents demanded a CBI probe in the case, she said.
Pant said that the demand for a CBI investigation has also been submitted in writing, with a request that the probe be conducted under the supervision of the Supreme Court. She added that the CM had earlier publicly stated that the government would act in accordance with the wishes of Bhandari’s parents.
She announced that a torch rally will be taken out across all districts of the State on the evening of January 10, followed by a State-wide bandh on January 11. A protest march will be held on January 11, from Gandhi Park to the CM residence under the banner of ABNYSSM to demand justice in the case.
Pant said that the movement has received support from various social organisations, political parties, intellectuals, activists and citizens across Uttarakhand. She alleged that despite having police and security agencies at its disposal, the government failed to act effectively in the case. Regarding the role of a “VIP” mentioned in the case, Pant claimed that witness statements and call records indicate the presence of a VIP at the resort for nearly two and a half hours, yet the identity has not been disclosed. She asserted that the agitation will continue till the VIP’s identity is revealed. ABNYSSM member Mohit Dimri said that the demand for a CBI probe reflects the collective voice of the people of Uttarakhand and is supported by various political and social organisations. He questioned the government’s reluctance to hand over the case to the CBI and said that public anger will persist until transparency and accountability are ensured.
