Dehradun – More than three years after the shocking murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a new audio clip has brought the case back into the headlines. The clip, which is going viral on social media, has led to fresh demands for a CBI probe. Political parties are clashing again, with Congress attacking the BJP government in Uttarakhand for alleged cover-up, while BJP leaders call the audio fake and AI-made.
Ankita worked as a receptionist at Vanantra Resort near Rishikesh. She went missing on September 18, 2022, and her body was found in the Cheela canal six days later. In May 2025, a court in Kotdwar gave life sentences to resort owner Pulkit Arya and his two employees, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta. Pulkit is the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, who was removed from the party after the case.
What Happened in 2022
Ankita came from a simple family in Pauri Garhwal district. Her father, Virendra Bhandari, worked as a security guard. To help the family, Ankita left her studies and took a job at the resort in August 2022. She was paid just Rs 10,000 a month.
Police say Ankita had a fight with Pulkit Arya on the night of September 18. She refused to give “extra services” or “special services” to guests. This became the main reason for the murder, as per the court. The three men took her out and pushed her into the canal. Her body had injury marks, and the post-mortem said she died from drowning.
The case caused big protests across Uttarakhand. People were angry because of the political links. The resort was bulldozed soon after, which some called an attempt to hide evidence. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) looked into it and filed a chargesheet with over 500 pages.
The Court Verdict in 2025
On May 30, 2025, the Kotdwar court found the three guilty of murder, hiding evidence, and other charges. They got life in jail and had to pay fines. The family got Rs 4 lakh as help.
Ankita’s parents were not happy. They wanted death penalty. Her mother Soni Devi said, “We will go to High Court for death sentence. This was a rare case that shocked everyone.”
The court used WhatsApp chats, witness statements, and other proof. Ankita had told a friend on phone that she was scared and being forced.
New Audio Clip Revives Old Questions
Now, in December 2025, an audio clip has come out. It is said to be of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore. In the clip, names like BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam (called ‘Gattu’) come up as the VIP guest linked to the case.
A woman named Urmila Sanawar, who says she is Rathore’s wife, shared the clip. She demands a new probe and says there was a cover-up to protect big names.
Congress leaders jumped on this. Uttarakhand Congress chief Ganesh Godiyal said, “This audio shows pressure on Ankita came from higher up. BJP’s ‘Beti Bachao’ slogan is empty. They protected powerful people.” Congress wants CBI probe under a Supreme Court judge.
They also point to the quick bulldozing of the resort and say evidence was lost.
BJP Calls It Fake
BJP leaders say the audio is fake and made with AI. Former MLA Suresh Rathore filed a police complaint. He said it is a plan to spoil his and the party’s name. He asked police to check Urmila’s phone.
Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt said Congress is playing politics and insulting Ankita’s memory. “We gave fast justice. Life sentences came because of our government. If anyone has proof about VIP, give it to police.”
Police have not said if the clip is real or not.
Family’s Long Fight
Ankita’s family has always said big people were involved. Her father Virendra Bhandari said after the verdict, “We want full truth. Why was the VIP name hidden?”
The family moved court for CBI probe earlier, but it was not given.
Political Reactions
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, “BJP talks big on saving girls, but in their state, they hide facts when powerful are linked.”
BJP says the case is closed with punishment to killers. They credit Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for quick action.
Why the Case Still Matters
Ankita’s murder highlighted problems for young women working in resorts and hotels in Uttarakhand. Many girls take such jobs for money, but safety is a big worry.
The case also shows how politics mixes with crime probes. Even after sentences, questions about the “VIP guest” remain.
As the audio spreads, people wait to see if there will be new probe. For now, the pain for Ankita’s family goes on.
Statements from leaders:
Ganesh Godiyal (Congress): “We demand CBI inquiry supervised by Supreme Court judge. If not in 10-12 days, we will protest big in Garhwal.”
Mahendra Bhatt (BJP): “Congress should give proof instead of spreading lies. This insults Ankita’s soul.”
Suresh Rathore: “This audio is AI-made. It is conspiracy against me and party.”
Ankita’s mother Soni Devi (earlier): “Bigger fight is for death penalty so no one dares to do this to any daughter.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Ankita Bhandari murder case?
Ankita Bhandari was a 19-year-old receptionist at Vanantra Resort near Rishikesh. She was murdered on September 18, 2022, after refusing to provide extra services to guests. Her body was found in a canal. Three men – resort owner Pulkit Arya and employees Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta – were given life sentences in May 2025.
Who got punished in the case?
Pulkit Arya (son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya), Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta. The court in Kotdwar gave them life jail on May 30, 2025, for murder and other charges.
What is the new audio clip about?
A viral audio, shared by Urmila Sanawar, allegedly has former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore talking about a VIP named Dushyant Kumar Gautam linked to the dispute with Ankita. She wants reinvestigation.
Is the audio real?
BJP says it is fake and AI-generated. Suresh Rathore filed police complaint. Police have not confirmed yet.
What does Congress want?
A CBI probe under Supreme Court judge supervision. They say BJP government protected powerful people.
What does BJP say?
The case is solved with life sentences. They call allegations political lies and say audio is fake.
Did the court find rape?
No, forensic report ruled out rape, but there were charges of molestation and forcing into immoral acts.
What was the motive?
Ankita refused to give special or extra services to a VIP guest, leading to fight with Pulkit Arya.