Parents of Murdered Ankita Bhandari Protest Governor Appointment
Grieving parents demand justice as they protest against the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim's Governor, linking him to their daughter's murder.
Ankita Bhandari's parents protested against Dushyant Gautam's appointment as Governor of Sikkim, citing his alleged connection to her murder.
Three men were convicted for Ankita's murder, but the parents demand further investigation and accountability.
They threaten nationwide protests if their demands for a Supreme Court-supervised CBI investigation are not met.
The parents of Ankita Bhandari, who was tragically murdered in September 2022, have renewed their fight for justice following the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim. Virendra Singh Bhandari, Ankita's father, expressed his distress, stating that the news of Gautam's appointment has left them sleepless. The Bhandaris, alongside supporters, gathered at India Gate in New Delhi to voice their concerns, leading to their brief detention by police.
Ankita Bhandari's body was discovered in the Chilla Canal six days after she went missing. In May 2025, three individuals, including Pulkit Arya, the son of a BJP leader, were sentenced to life imprisonment for her murder. The case gained further attention when Urmila Sanawar, wife of a former BJP legislator, identified Gautam as the VIP involved. In response to public outcry, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister recommended a CBI investigation into the matter earlier this year.
During the protest, Virendra Bhandari criticized the government's decision to appoint Gautam, stating that it feels like a reward for someone linked to his daughter's death. He emphasized the importance of raising their voices in the capital to ensure their plight is heard nationwide. The Bhandaris demand that the CBI investigation be conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge and that crucial evidence related to the case be preserved.
The implications of this case extend beyond the Bhandari family, highlighting significant concerns about justice and accountability in high-profile cases. The parents' determination to seek justice for Ankita resonates with many across India, reflecting a broader demand for systemic change in how such cases are handled. They have vowed to escalate their protests if their demands are not met, indicating a potential for widespread public mobilization.
Looking ahead, the Bhandaris are calling for transparency regarding the investigation and the involvement of key figures, including Renu Bisht, who allegedly ordered the destruction of evidence at the crime scene. They are also seeking further inquiries into the phone records of Gautam and other individuals linked to the case. The family's fight for justice continues, as they remain committed to ensuring that Ankita's story is not forgotten and that accountability is pursued relentlessly.
