Independent journalist and Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (Democratic) leader Ashutosh Negi, who was among the first to approach the High Court seeking a CBI investigation into the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, has been summoned by the central agency in connection with the case. He is currently in Delhi for questioning.

Negi was asked to appear before the CBI’s investigating team at its headquarters on Lodhi Road on Tuesday.

The development comes amid renewed scrutiny of the alleged VIP angle in the murder, following the circulation of an audio clip by actress Urmila Sanawar that purportedly refers to a powerful individual in connection with the case.…