Ankita Bhandari's Parents Demand Action After Release
Following their release from detention, Ankita Bhandari's parents issue a 24-hour ultimatum to the government regarding Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment.
Ankita Bhandari's parents were detained during a protest against Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor.
They issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the cancellation of Gautam's appointment, threatening nationwide protests.
Ankita was murdered in 2022, with ongoing allegations linking Gautam to her death.
The parents of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old murder victim from Uttarakhand, were released early on October 15, 2026, after being detained while protesting near India Gate. Their protest was specifically against the recent appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim, which they claim is linked to their daughter's tragic death.
During their detention, Ankita's father issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the Indian government, demanding the cancellation of Gautam's appointment. He warned of a nationwide agitation if their demands were not met, emphasizing the family's belief that Gautam played a significant role in their daughter's murder. "We give a 24-hour ultimatum to the government for the cancellation of Dushyant’s appointment," he stated.
The parents were released around 5 a.m. after several hours in custody, alongside numerous Congress leaders who were also detained during the protest. The family has been vocal about their concerns, insisting that Gautam's appointment should be suspended pending the conclusion of the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into Ankita's case.
Ankita Bhandari, who worked as a receptionist at a resort in Rishikesh, was murdered on September 18, 2022. Her body was discovered four days later in the Chilla canal. The case has drawn considerable media attention, particularly due to allegations of a VIP's involvement in the crime, with Gautam's name frequently mentioned. The resort's owner and two accomplices have already been sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the murder.
In response to the allegations, Gautam has denied any wrongdoing and has initiated defamation proceedings against Ankita's family. The Congress party has criticized the appointment, suggesting it serves to protect Gautam from potential criminal proceedings while in office. As a former national general secretary of the BJP, Gautam previously oversaw party activities in Uttarakhand, raising further concerns about political interference in the case.
