State of Uttarakhand vs. Pulkit Arya and others — Ankita Bhandari murder case

Updates

1. News13 Oct 2026

   CBI begins investigation in Ankita Bhandari murder case

   Following a recommendation by the Chief Minister in February 2026, CBI officials arrived at the victim's village in Pauri district to conduct questioning of her parents after an eight-month delay.

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Central Bureau of Investigation has started a probe into the murder case.

   Who:

   The Central Bureau of Investigation is the investigative agency, Pulkit Arya and others are the accused, and the victim is Ankita Bhandari.

   When:

   Reported on 13 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Pauri district, Uttarakhand, and the Uttaranchal High Court.

   Why:

   The Chief Minister recommended this move in February 2026.

   What it means:

   Officials are now questioning the parents of the victim following an eight-month delay.

   The New Indian Express
2. News12 Jun 2026

   Ankita Bhandari case: 'To Malign a Person's Image to Implicate Them in a Concluded Murder Case Is a Serious Issue': Uttaranchal HC Quashes Two FIRs Against Former MLA; Orders Probe

   Uttaranchal High Court quashes two FIRs against former MLA Suresh Rathore, orders probe into social media allegations in Ankita Bhandari...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The High Court cancelled two police complaints against a former politician and ordered an investigation into social media posts.

   Who:

   The Uttaranchal High Court is the court, Suresh Rathore is the former MLA, and Pulkit Arya and others are the accused in the murder case.

   When:

   Reported on 12 Jun 2026.

   Where:

   Uttaranchal High Court, Uttarakhand.

   Why:

   The court decided that damaging a person's reputation to link them to a finished murder case is a serious issue.

   What it means:

   The police must stop the current cases against the former politician and start a new inquiry into the social media claims.

   SCC Online Blog