Haridwar witnessed fresh political unrest on Tuesday as the Ankita Bhandari murder case took a new turn following the circulation of an alleged viral audio clip. The Congress party staged a protest in the holy city, accusing the state government of shielding influential people involved in the case and demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
According to Congress leaders, the viral audio has raised serious questions about the investigation process and the role of authorities in handling the high-profile murder case. Holding placards and raising slogans, party workers burnt an effigy of the state government near a prominent public place in Haridwar, alleging injustice to Ankita Bhandari and her family.
Viral Audio Sparks Fresh Political Storm
Congress leaders claimed that despite repeated demands, the government has failed to ensure transparency and accountability in the case. “This audio clip has exposed the truth the government is trying to hide. If the administration has nothing to fear, why is a CBI inquiry being avoided?” a senior Congress leader said during the protest.
The party reiterated that Ankita Bhandari’s murder is not just a criminal case but a test of justice and governance in Uttarakhand. Protesters alleged that powerful individuals were being protected and that the investigation agencies were under pressure. They demanded immediate action against those named or hinted at in the viral audio and called for an independent probe to restore public trust.
The Ankita Bhandari case has remained in the spotlight since her murder, triggering widespread outrage across Uttarakhand and beyond. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and activists have repeatedly questioned the pace and direction of the investigation, while the victim’s family has also sought justice through a fair and transparent process.
Meanwhile, the state government has not issued any official response to the Congress protest or the viral audio at the time of writing this report. Police officials have stated that the matter is being examined and warned against spreading unverified or misleading content on social media.
As political pressure mounts and public anger resurfaces, the case once again brings focus on accountability, women’s safety, and the demand for an impartial investigation. Whether the viral audio leads to a major breakthrough or further political confrontation remains to be seen.
