Uttarakhand Police have questioned actress Urmila Sanawar, the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, in connection with the controversy surrounding an alleged audio clip linked to the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, a senior official said on Thursday. Dehradun Senior Superintendent of Police Ajay Singh stated that Sanawar’s statements have been formally recorded. She had recently sparked widespread attention on social media after referring to a “VIP” in relation to the case. The SSP confirmed that she was questioned in cases registered at Nehru Colony and Dalanwala police stations in Dehradun. However, apart from the videos she herself shared online, police have not found any additional evidence so far.

The investigating team has also recorded both audio and video versions of her statements. Multiple cases have been registered against Sanawar under various legal provisions at police stations in Dehradun and Haridwar, and she was earlier served a notice for questioning. Additionally, Dharmendra Kumar, President of the Shiromani Guru Ravidas Vishva Mahapeeth, has filed a complaint at Bahadrabad police station against Sanawar and Rathore, alleging that they attempted to damage the image of a BJP leader.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the parents of Ankita Bhandari and assured them of the state government’s full support. He said the government would ensure lawful, impartial, and swift action on the demands raised by the family and reaffirmed that securing justice for Ankita remains the government’s highest priority.

The Chief Minister noted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by senior officer Renuka Devi was constituted to conduct a comprehensive probe. He emphasized that the investigation was upheld by the trial court and later endorsed by both the High Court and the Supreme Court, underscoring its credibility. As a result of strong legal action by the state, all three accused have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Dhami also said attempts are being made to create unnecessary unrest in the state over the alleged audio clip, even though the judicial process has already concluded. Regarding a possible CBI inquiry, he clarified that any further steps would be taken only after consulting Ankita’s parents and considering their wishes, emotions, and expectations.