Four years after Ankita Bhandari’s murder, the fight for justice continues, and questions remain unanswered despite the CBI inquiry
Four years after Ankita Bhandari’s murder, the fight for justice continues, and questions remain unanswered despite the CBI inquiry
Dehradun, Sept 18
Seeking justice for Ankita Bhandari on her fourth death anniversary various protests were held across the state, today. A large number of people overwhelmingly women participated in a tribute meeting organized by the ‘Ankita Nyay Yatra Sanyukt Sangharsh Manch’ (Joint Struggle Forum for Ankita’s Justice) at Gandhi Park, here today on the occasion. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Congress also held a protest march from Kaudiyana to the Vantara Resort near Bhogpur, Rishikesh on the occasion to seek justice for Ankita Bhandari.
In Dehradun, Kamala Pant, convenor of the Manch provided a brief overview of the events surrounding the Ankita Bhandari murder case and the ongoing struggle for justice. Several critical questions regarding the Ankita Bhandari murder case were raised again at the meeting—questions to which the public still seeks answers:
- Why were the VIP accused—Dushyant Kumar and Ajay Kumar—whose names surfaced in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, not investigated?
- Why was the role of the then Chief Minister, Pushkar Dhami—who ordered the demolition (using a bulldozer) of the Vanantara Resort—not investigated?
- Why was the role of local MLAs Renu Bisht and Aarti Gaur in the demolition of the resort not investigated?
- Why has the CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari murder case not commenced, even nine months after it was ordered?
- Why was the FIR filed by Anil Joshi accepted as the basis for the CBI investigation instead of the letter submitted to the Chief Minister by Ankita’s parents?
Subsequently, Sujata Paul, a prominent member of the manch read out the ‘Ankita Justice Pledge’ and administered a collective oath to the attendees, committing them to continue raising questions regarding justice for Ankita Bhandari through democratic, constitutional, and peaceful means, and to keep the demand for an impartial investigation, accountability, and justice alive until full justice is achieved. A two-minute silence to pay tribute to Ankita Bhandari was also observed.
The program was conducted by Nirmala Bisht. Subsequently, a human chain was formed stretching from Gandhi Park to Ghantaghar and back to Gandhi Park, with a large number of people participating. Through this human chain, participants reiterated their resolve to continue the struggle and press for justice for Ankita Bhandari.
Today, marking the fourth anniversary of the death of Ankita Bhandari—who was killed after being subjected to cruelty, violence, and abuse—a large number of Congress workers gathered at the ground opposite Kaudia Bridge in Ganga Bhogpur Talla, near Chilla Barrage. Led by State Congress President Shri Ganesh Godiyal, they staged a sit-in protest and held a demonstration against the BJP governments at both the central and state levels.
Addressing the gathering, State President Shri Ganesh Godiyal remarked that visiting this site brings back vivid memories of four years ago, when Ankita’s body was recovered from the Ganga Barrage and the names of the Vanantara Resort owner—BJP leader Vinod Arya—along with his son Pulkit Arya and his associates, came to light.
He stated that the most sensational revelation in this case emerged from a chat Ankita had with a friend—revealing the identity of the “VIP” for whom refusing to provide “special services” cost Ankita her life.
Godiyal noted that the room where Ankita resided was demolished by a bulldozer to bury all the secrets surrounding her murder. For four years, the people of the state have been waiting for the VIP’s name to be revealed. Although the government ordered a CBI inquiry last year under pressure from state-wide protests, there has been no trace of that investigation even after a year has passed. He asserted that if the BJP government fails to disclose the VIP’s identity, a future Congress government will identify all those responsible for this incident and ensure they are punished.
Pritam Singh, Chairman of the State Election Campaign Committee, remarked that nothing could be more shameful than the BJP inviting back and honoring the very individual whom the entire state considers guilty; by seating him on the dais, they display the audacity to taunt the people of Uttarakhand.
Dr. Harak Singh Rawat, Chairman of the Election Management Committee, stated that crimes against women have risen in BJP-ruled states—whether at the Centre or in the states It is evident that the BJP is anti-women. The Congress leaders declared that at the very spot where Ankita was murdered, they all swear by Mother Ganga to ensure that every person guilty of the crime is punished.
State Congress Senior Vice President Suryakant Dhasmana stated that Uttarakhand currently ranks at the top among all hill states regarding crimes against women, a situation that is deeply concerning. Most distressing is the fact that BJP office-bearers and those holding official positions are often found to be involved in these crimes, while the government and the party organization shamelessly pressure the administration and police to shield them.
The gathering was also addressed by former Minister Shri Surendra Singh Negi, former Minister Shri Shoorveer Singh Sajwan, State Women’s Congress President Smt. Jyoti Rautela, Organization General Secretary Shri Rajendra Bhandari, former MLA Om Gopal Rawat, Chief Spokesperson Smt. Garima Mehra Dasauni, SC Department President Shri Madan Lal, Labour Department President Shri Dinesh Kaushal, Shri Jayendra Ramola, Shri Rajpal Kharola, Shri Rajendra Shah, Haridwar District President Shri Aman Garg, and City President Smt. Meena Barchhwan, among others.
Following the meeting, party workers—led by State President Shri Ganesh Godiyal, Shri Pritam Singh, and Dr. Harak Singh Rawat—carried out a ‘Justice March’ from the protest site to the Vanantara Resort and paid floral tributes to Ankita’s photograph at the resort’s gate.
In Almora, P.C. Tewari, President of Uttarakhand Parivartan party led a protest seeking justice for Ankita Bhandari and called out the attempts by the BJP government to whitewash the murder and alleged complicity of it’s senior leaders in the gruesome crime.
