Dehradun, Jan. 5 -- People from various walks of life, social organisations, and political parties, marched towards the chief minister's residence in Dehradun on Sunday, demanding a CBI probe into the Pauri Garhwal receptionist murder case to investigate an alleged "VIP" linked to the crime. The BJP-led state government, however, rejected the allegations and accused the opposition parties of spreading lies and politicising the receptionist's murder. The 19-year-old victim from Pauri Garhwal district started work as a receptionist at a resort near Rishikesh on August 28, 2022. Her body was recovered from the Chilla canal in September 2022. In May 2025, a Kotdwar court in Pauri Garhwal district sentenced three accused in the case - resort owner Pulkit Arya, son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, manager Saurabh Bhaskar and assistant manager Ankit Gupta - to life imprisonment. However, even after the convictions, protests have continued across Uttarakhand since Urmila Sanawar, who claims to be the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, released an audio clip of an alleged telephonic conversation she had with Rathore, who purportedly revealed that a BJP leader had pressurised the 19-year-old victim into providing "extra services" (a euphemism for prostitution). The BJP, however, has denied the allegations. Cabinet minister Subodh Uniyal said on January 2 that anyone making allegations should furnish evidence, adding that the government was open to any form of investigation. The following day, Haridwar SP (rural) Shekhar Suyal rejected the claims, stating that no "VIP" was found involved during the investigation. On Sunday, protests intensified at Hathibarkala, where barricades were set up, leading to a confrontation between demonstrators and police personnel. Ashish Negi, president of the central youth wing of the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD), said, "The BJP's double standards have been fully exposed. The people understand everything, and the massive turnout in Dehradun is a clear reflection of this public anger and growing awareness. The people of Uttarakhand will no longer remain silent, and any attempt to play with the dignity, safety, or lives of our sisters and daughters will not be tolerated." Mohit Dimri, convenor of the Mool Niwas, Bhoo Kanoon Samanvay Sangharsh Samiti, said, "On January 11, we will enforce a statewide shutdown across Uttarakhand. We will hold discussions with all traders' associations and seek their support. We have given the government a one-week ultimatum....