What’s Behind the Renewed Protests in Delhi Over Ankita Bhandari's Murder Case?
Protests Erupt Over Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
New Delhi: On Sunday, the Mahanagar Delhi Uttarakhand Pravasi Sangathan organized a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, demanding a CBI investigation into the murder of Ankita Bhandari and immediate action against those involved.
The tragic death of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist, sparked significant outrage in Uttarakhand back in 2022, and the case has resurfaced in political discussions.
One protester expressed, “We are here to insist on a CBI inquiry into the Ankita Bhandari case. We want justice, regardless of the status of the accused.”
Another participant highlighted new developments in the case, stating, “Recent disclosures have implicated a person named ‘Gattu,’ identified as Dushyant Singh Gautam. Since the local government has not been supportive, we are appealing to the Central government for a CBI investigation and strict punishment for the guilty.”
Stronger demands were voiced by another protester, who insisted on capital punishment for those responsible for Ankita's death, stating, “The killers and all involved should face the death penalty. Justice must prevail.”
Concerns were raised about the investigation's integrity, with allegations that vital evidence had been compromised.
One protester claimed, “Evidence was destroyed at the crime scene. We demand justice for Ankita Bhandari and capital punishment for all involved. She was coerced into providing ‘special services’ to a VIP, as indicated in her messages to a friend. Now, a whistle-blower has named the VIP. Why is there no action?”
Similar demonstrations took place in Dehradun, where various local organizations and political groups called for a CBI inquiry and justice for Ankita.
Uttarakhand has seen a surge in protests recently, with citizens demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the murder.
The renewed public outcry followed allegations made by television actor Urmila Sanawar on December 24, 2025, who accused a senior BJP leader of being the unidentified ‘VIP’ in the case. She later named Dushyant Kumar Gautam, the BJP National General Secretary and Uttarakhand in-charge, as the individual referred to as ‘Gattu.’
This controversy has rapidly escalated, involving the ruling BJP, the Congress party, state police, and civil society, leading to protests and counter-accusations regarding the investigation's handling.
The original case revolves around the rape and murder of Ankita Bhandari at the Vanantara resort near Rishikesh.
During the initial investigation, a friend of Ankita informed the police that she was pressured to ‘entertain’ and provide ‘special services’ to a VIP guest. Although this claim gained significant attention, the alleged ‘VIP’ aspect was not included in the charge sheet.
In May 2025, a Kotdwar court convicted resort owner Pulkit Arya and two employees, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
Pulkit Arya is the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, who was expelled from the party following the incident.
The BJP has firmly rejected the new allegations. Dushyant Kumar Gautam labeled the accusations as defamatory and politically motivated, stating he has reached out to the Chief Minister’s office for a formal investigation.
In a video statement, Gautam declared that he would withdraw from public life if the allegations were proven true and threatened legal action against anyone who names him without evidence, asserting that his political career is under siege from a smear campaign.