The transfer of the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation marks a triumph for democratic activism, according to Aam Aadmi Party leader Alka Lamba. In her address, Lamba made it clear: without the sustained jan andolan, the probe would have remained mired in local politics and delays.
Rewinding to September 2022, Ankita Bhandari’s disappearance from a luxury resort sparked immediate suspicions. Owned by Pulkit Arya—son of BJP’s former minister Renu Bisht—the establishment quickly became the epicenter of scrutiny. Revelations of illicit demands on staff fueled public fury, leading to her alleged murder and body disposal in a canal. What followed was a torrent of protests: candlelight marches in Dehradun, rallies in Srinagar, and social media storms amplifying the call for justice.
Lamba, addressing a gathering of supporters, detailed the movement’s arc. ‘Lakhs of Uttarakhandis rose as one, forcing the government to bow to the court’s order,’ she said. The Uttarakhand High Court, responding to petitions amid unrest, mandated the CBI handover last year. She criticized initial police efforts as compromised, citing missing evidence and influenced testimonies.
Under CBI’s professional gaze, the investigation has gained teeth. Recent actions include re-interrogating suspects, forensic analysis of the crime scene, and tracing resort operations that might reveal motives. Lamba stressed this as proof that public pressure trumps political patronage. ‘Ankita’s blood cries for accountability, and the people have answered,’ she poignantly remarked.
Broader implications loom large. The case spotlights safety issues for women in tourism hubs and the perils of political interference in justice delivery. Lamba’s attribution to the movement not only honors protesters but also rallies AAP’s base ahead of polls. As the CBI unearths more facts, it could redefine trust in institutional probes, validating the adage that justice delayed is justice denied—unless the streets demand otherwise.