The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday launched action into the Ankita Bhandari case, a day after her parents met senior CBI officials. According to news agency ANI, a CBI team are questioning ex-BJP MLA Suresh Rathore at a guest house in Haridwar.
Members and supporters of Congress Seva Dal hold a candle march demanding justice in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. (PTI)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
As stated in an earlier HT report, Ankita Bhandari's parents met senior CBI officials on Friday and sought narco-tests on the former legislator, as well as on actor Urmila Sanawar.
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
“Ankita’s parents also gave a letter demanding narco-tests on both Rathore and Sanawar saying their audio recording recently went viral and it had allegations of involvement of a senior BJP leader in the case,” an officer requesting anonymity had said.
Ankita Bhandari was a 19-year-old resort receptionist whose body was found in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal in 2022.
Ankita Bhandari's parents meet CBI director
In a media interaction on Friday, Ankita Bhandari's parents said they met the CBI Director in the presence of Lok Sabha MP Anil Baluni.
“Our primary demand was that, given that Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s name has surfaced in connection with the case involving my daughter, Ankita Bhandari, he should not be administered the oath of office as a Governor or in any other official capacity until narco-analysis tests are conducted on Suresh Rathore and Urmila Sanawar,” Ankita Bhandari's father Virendra Singh Bhandari told ANI.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
The meeting came days after Ankita Bhandari's parents were detained from the India Gate in Delhi as they staged a sit-in against the appointment of former Uttarakhand BJP in-charge Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
The meeting came days after Ankita Bhandari's parents were detained from the India Gate in Delhi as they staged a sit-in against the appointment of former Uttarakhand BJP in-charge Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim.
{{/usCountry}}
They want the appointment to be put on hold until a CBI probe into the alleged VIP angle in the case is completed. “Dushyant Kumar should go to jail...because of the VIP my daughter was murdered,” Ankita's father earlier told HT.
Dushyant Gautam, who served as the BJP’s Uttarakhand in-charge from November 2020 to August 2026, was appointed as Sikkim's Governor earlier this week.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Home/India News/CBI quizzes ex- BJP MLA Suresh Rathore day after Ankita Bhandari's parents seek his narco test
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Notifications
Get breaking alerts directly from the newsroom
Notifications are on!You'll be notified when news breaks
