Stop the Appointment: Ankita Bhandari’s Parents Threaten State-Wide Protest
Parents of murdered Ankita Bhandari demand a hold on Dushyant Kumar Gautam's Sikkim Governor post, threatening state-wide protests in Uttarakhand.
The harrowing quest for justice for Ankita Bhandari has taken a sharp political turn. The parents of the 19-year-old girl, who was brutally murdered in September 2022, have launched a fresh offensive against the government, demanding that the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim be put on immediate hold. The family has issued a stark 24-hour ultimatum, warning that if their concerns are not addressed, the people of Uttarakhand will take to the streets in a massive state-wide protest.
A Father's Ultimatum and Demands for Transparency
Speaking to reporters following a tense encounter with police in the national capital, Ankita's father voiced his deep distress over the gubernatorial appointment. He argued that the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam is unacceptable while unresolved allegations surrounding the murder case persist.
To clear the air and ensure a fair probe, the family has demanded the immediate public disclosure of specific evidence, including:
- Call records and location details for both Ajay Kumar and Dushyant Kumar specifically for the dates of September 18 and 19, 2022.
- The recovery of an old mobile phone belonging to the key accused, Pulkit Arya, which the family claims the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has failed to retrieve.
The Controversy Over the Demolished Resort
Beyond the appointments and call logs, the family is questioning the physical evidence of the crime. They have demanded a full and transparent clarification regarding the demolition of the resort associated with the case. In a significant demand, the parents have called for the full reconstruction of the resort to preserve the physical context of the crime and ensure total accountability.
"A Fight for Every Daughter"
The emotional weight of the struggle was evident as Ankita's mother appealed to the public for continued support. She emphasized that her battle is not merely personal but a symbolic fight for the safety and justice of all girls in the country.
"I just want justice for my daughter, and the appointment of the person who has been made Governor should be put on hold... This fight is not just for my daughter; it is a fight for everyone's daughters," she stated.
Pre-Dawn Police Action at India Gate
The family's latest public appeal came on the heels of a dramatic confrontation in New Delhi. At approximately 4:00 AM on Thursday, Delhi Police conducted a pre-dawn operation at India Gate, where Ankita's parents had been holding an overnight sit-in protest. They were detained and taken to the Tilak Marg Police Station before eventually being released.
Voices of Support and Calls for Empathy
Social activist Yogita Bhayana joined the family in their plea, urging the government to exercise empathy. While clarifying that she is not declaring the appointee guilty, Bhayana questioned the urgency of the appointment given the existing allegations.
"Why is there such a hurry to appoint him? Wait for a while and let the investigation be completed. The investigation is being conducted by your own agency," Bhayana remarked, urging the government not to "rub salt into the wounds" of a grieving family.
The Backstory: The Ankita Bhandari Case
The tragedy dates back to September 18, 2022, when 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari was murdered. Her body was recovered several days later, on September 24, from the Chilla Canal, sparking nationwide outrage and a prolonged legal battle for justice that continues to this day.