Congress intensifies protests in Delhi and Dehradun demanding transparent probe into Ankita Bhandari murder case

NEW DELHI — The Congress party intensified protests in Delhi and Dehradun demanding a fair and transparent probe into the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, focusing on an alleged “VIP” angle in the ongoing investigation.

The demonstrations follow a political row stirred by the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim governor while a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case remains active. Opposition parties alleged that Dushyant Gautam is the “VIP” whose role is under scrutiny, though these allegations have not been established.

Ankita Bhandari was a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand who was found dead near Rishikesh in September 2022. She was murdered by resort owner Pulkit Arya and two of his employees, all of whom have since been sentenced to life imprisonment.

The CBI subsequently registered a case against unknown persons to investigate the alleged role of a “VIP” in the murder. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the CBI probe in January following demands from Ankita’s parents and the circulation of audio and video clips purportedly indicating the involvement of a “VIP” on social media by actress Urmila Sanawar.

Amid the ongoing inquiry, several people, including Congress leaders, were reportedly detained outside Delhi’s Patiala House Court after holding a protest demanding a transparent and monitored investigation, according to ANI. In addition, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) organized a candle march in Delhi led by national president Vinod Jakhar.

In Dehradun, the Congress held a candle march led by party general secretary and state in-charge Kumari Selja and state unit president Ganesh Godiyal, according to PTI. Former chief minister Harish Rawat, Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya, and other leaders participated in the march.

Separately, a team of CBI officials arrived at the residence of Urmila Sanawar in connection with the case, according to ANI. The CBI investigation into the alleged “VIP” angle continues.