The fight for justice for Ankita Bhandari has gained fresh momentum after Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met her parents during their protest at India Gate in New Delhi. The family is demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged VIP angle in the case. They have also urged the government to put Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor on hold until the investigation is completed. The renewed protest has brought the high-profile Uttarakhand murder case back into national debate.
Police Detain Protesters, Parents Later Released
On Thursday morning, Delhi Police detained Ankita’s parents and several protesters during the demonstration. Her parents were later released from Tilak Marg police station. Congress leaders criticised the police action, arguing that the family was demanding justice and a fair investigation. Ankita’s mother, Soni Devi, said she would consider going on a hunger strike at home if permission to protest in public was denied. Her father, Virendra Singh Bhandari, warned of nationwide protests if their demands were not addressed.
What Happened to Ankita Bhandari?
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at the Vanantara resort near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district, went missing on September 18, 2022. Her body was recovered from the Chilla canal six days later. Investigators arrested resort owner Pulkit Arya and two employees, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta. The prosecution alleged that Ankita faced pressure to provide special services to a guest and that she opposed the demand. The case triggered widespread protests across Uttarakhand.
Three Accused Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
On May 30, 2025, a court in Pauri Garhwal convicted Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta in the murder case. All three were sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, destruction of evidence and related offences. Despite the convictions, Ankita’s family has continued to demand answers about the alleged VIP connection. They believe the investigation should establish whether anyone else played a role in the events leading to her death.
Alleged VIP Angle Sparks Fresh Controversy
The controversy intensified again in December 2025 after videos and an alleged audio recording circulated on social media. Urmila Sanawar, who claims to be the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, made allegations about an influential person connected to the case. Some people linked the alleged VIP reference to BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam. However, the authenticity of the recordings has been disputed, Gautam has denied the allegations, and the claims should not be treated as established facts.
Family Seeks Answers From CBI Investigation
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recommended a CBI investigation in February 2026. Reports in October indicated that CBI officials had questioned Ankita’s parents. The family wants investigators to examine technical evidence, phone records and other aspects of the case. Their protest has intensified following Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor on October 12, 2026. While the three convicted men are serving life sentences, the alleged VIP angle remains a separate issue requiring investigation and evidence-based conclusions.
