Full Breakdown
CBI Summons Journalist Ashutosh Negi Amid Ongoing Probe into Ankita Bhandari Murder
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: CBI Calls Ashutosh Negi for Questioning in Delhi
The Central Bureau of Investigation has issued a summons for independent journalist Ashutosh Negi to appear at its headquarters on Lodhi Road, Delhi, on Tuesday morning. The agency said there are “reasonable grounds to question” him about the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari. Negi, who travelled to Delhi for the interview, described the move as harassment, arguing that investigators are targeting activists rather than the alleged “VIP” linked to the case.
Background & Context
Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at the Vanantra resort in Pauri Garhwal, disappeared on September 18, 2022 and her body was recovered days later. Uttarakhand police and a Special Investigation Team convicted three men—Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta—who were sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment on May 30, 2025.
Allegations persisted that a powerful individual had sought sexual favours from Bhandari. Actress Urmila Sanawar released an audio clip she said featured former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore discussing the case, intensifying protests and prompting calls for a CBI probe into the “VIP” angle.
Timeline
- September 18, 2022 – Bhandari disappears; body recovered.
- Late 2022 – Negi files a petition in the Uttarakhand High Court for a CBI investigation.
- December 2022 – High Court rejects transfer to CBI.
- March 5, 2024 – Uttarakhand police arrest Negi under the SC/ST Act.
- Later 2024 – Negi released on bail.
- January 2024 – Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami orders a CBI probe.
- February 2024 – CBI takes over the case and registers a case against an “unknown VIP.”
- March 2024 – CBI questions Sanawar in Saharanpur.
- May 30, 2025 – Convictions of the three accused.
- Recent Tuesday – CBI summons Negi for questioning in Delhi.
Data & Statistics
- Three individuals sentenced to life imprisonment.
- A 500-page charge sheet lists 97 witnesses, 47 of whom testified in court.
Official Statements & Responses
- The CBI’s notice cited “reasonable grounds” for questioning Negi.
- Negi, editor of *Jago Uttarakhand*, said the summons was intended to intimidate.
- DGP Abhinav Kumar suggested Negi’s activities might be part of a conspiracy to create unrest.
- The BJP said the case against Negi was unrelated to the murder probe.
- The Committee to Protect Journalists called for the charges to be dropped, emphasizing press-freedom concerns.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition figures claim Negi’s arrest is a tactic to silence activists pressing for a deeper inquiry into the alleged VIP involvement. The BJP counters that the legal action pertains solely to the SC/ST Act provisions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The identity of the “VIP” remains unverified. Sanawar’s audio clip implicates former MLA Suresh Rathore, but no formal charge has been filed, and the investigation continues to list the individual as “unknown.”
Why It Matters
The case highlights tensions between investigative agencies, political actors and civil-society advocates in high-profile criminal matters, and raises concerns about press freedom.
What’s Next
The CBI is questioning additional witnesses as part of its ongoing probe into the “unknown VIP.” Further interrogations of individuals connected to the resort and political figures are expected, and the court’s handling of any new charges will shape the case’s resolution.