Dehradun witnessed renewed focus on the Ankita Bhandari murder case after Padma Bhushan awardee and noted environmentalist Dr Anil Prakash Joshi submitted a formal application to the Uttarakhand Police and the state Home Department. In his request, Dr Joshi urged authorities to examine the possible involvement of unidentified individuals, often referred to in public discourse as “VIPs”, whose alleged role has remained unclear.
Following the submission of the application, the police moved swiftly and initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter.
Concerns raised over missing links
In his representation, Dr Joshi stated that discussions circulating on news platforms, social media, and among the general public have repeatedly raised questions about the possible involvement of certain unknown individuals beyond those already convicted. While acknowledging that the main accused have been punished, he emphasised that claims continue to surface suggesting that key evidence may have been suppressed or destroyed.
Dr Joshi stressed that these allegations, whether proven or not, warrant an independent and impartial examination to ensure that justice is seen to be done in its entirety.
Call for independent scrutiny
The environmentalist underlined that the issue should be examined separately from the concluded trial, focusing specifically on the alleged “VIP angle”. He argued that ignoring such concerns could weaken public trust in the justice system, particularly in cases that have deeply impacted public sentiment.
According to Dr Joshi, a transparent inquiry would help restore confidence and eliminate lingering doubts surrounding the case.
Police respond with immediate action
Acting on the complaint, Director General of Police Deepam Seth assigned the matter to Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh. The SSP, in turn, directed Basant Vihar Police Station to take necessary action.
Station in-charge Ashok Rathore confirmed that a case has been registered against unknown persons and that the investigation process is currently underway.
Public interest remains high
The Ankita Bhandari case continues to resonate strongly with the public in Uttarakhand and beyond. Any new development related to the case draws widespread attention, reflecting ongoing concerns about accountability and transparency.
Police officials have stated that the investigation will proceed strictly on the basis of available evidence and legal procedure.
Who is Dr Anil Prakash Joshi
Dr Anil Prakash Joshi is the founder of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO). For over four decades, he has worked extensively in environmental conservation, rural development, water management, renewable energy, and community-driven scientific initiatives.
Widely known as the ‘Mountain Man’, Dr Joshi is also an Ashoka Fellow and has been honoured with both the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for his contributions.
