Sikkim Students Demand Delay in Governor's Appointment Amid Investigation
Protests erupt in Gangtok as students and locals call for postponing Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment until the Ankita Bhandari murder case inquiry concludes.
Protests in Gangtok against Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as Governor.
Demonstrators demand a delay until the CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari case is resolved.
Gautam's appointment is set for October 19, amid allegations of 'VIP' involvement in the murder.
Students and local residents in Gangtok, Sikkim, have staged a protest against the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the state's Governor. The demonstration took place at the District Administrative Centre, where protesters voiced their concerns over the timing of Gautam's appointment, urging the central government to defer it until the ongoing investigation into the alleged 'VIP' involvement in the 2022 murder of Ankita Bhandari is completed.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently looking into the case, which has drawn significant public attention. While Gautam is not named in the chargesheet, Ankita's parents have alleged that he is the 'VIP' referenced in the investigation. Gautam has publicly denied these allegations, but the controversy surrounding his appointment has intensified calls for accountability.
One of the protesters, CL Chettri, emphasized that their demand is not against Gautam personally but is focused on ensuring that the investigation is allowed to proceed without interference. He stated, "We are ready to apologize if he is proven not guilty, but until then, he should not be appointed." The protest was organized as a citizen-led initiative, with participants expressing a desire to voice their concerns in a peaceful manner.
Anjali, one of the protest organizers, highlighted the importance of citizen engagement in the political process. She noted that the protest was not affiliated with any political party and aimed to provide a platform for community members to express their views. The gathering included individuals from various age groups, all united in their call for the central government to reconsider the timing of Gautam's appointment.
Looking ahead, the protesters plan to continue their demonstrations, regardless of whether Gautam is sworn in on October 19. They are committed to maintaining a peaceful approach while advocating for transparency and justice in the Ankita Bhandari case. The broader implications of this protest reflect a growing demand for accountability from elected officials and a desire for the voices of citizens to be heard in matters of governance.
