CM Dhami Defends Action in Ankita Bhandari Case
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami slams Congress for politicizing the Ankita Bhandari murder case, defending the SIT investigation and government aid.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has come out strongly to defend his administration's response to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, accusing the Congress party of attempting to turn a tragic crime into a political tool. The Chief Minister maintained that the state government acted with speed and transparency, ensuring justice was pursued from the very beginning.
Swift Justice and Government Support
Addressing the controversy, CM Dhami highlighted the efficiency of the state's legal machinery. He pointed out that the accused were apprehended within just 24 hours of the crime being discovered. Following the initial arrests, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted an exhaustive probe, which eventually led to the conviction and life imprisonment of the perpetrators: Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta.
Beyond legal proceedings, the Chief Minister emphasized the humanitarian steps taken by the government to support the victim's family. These measures include:
- Financial Assistance: The state has provided ₹25 lakh in financial aid to the family.
- Employment: Provisions have been made to offer job opportunities to family members.
- CBI Inquiry: In response to the family's specific request, the state government has recommended a CBI investigation into the matter.
Political Tensions Escalate at India Gate
While the government maintains its stance of having fulfilled its duties, the political temperature has reached a boiling point. The parents of the victim, Virendra Singh Bhandari and Soni Devi, took their fight to the national capital, staging protests at India Gate in Delhi on October 14 and 15, 2026.
The protest has taken a complex turn, as the parents are now demanding a stay on the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim. They are insisting that this appointment be halted until a CBI investigation can probe an alleged 'VIP angle' surrounding the murder case.
The demonstration saw significant backing from the Congress leadership, with prominent figures including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Pawan Khera, Supriya Shrinate, and Uday Bhanu Chib participating in the movement. The situation led to a confrontation with law enforcement on the morning of October 15, when Delhi Police detained the victim's parents and several Congress leaders, though the parents were later released.
Ultimatums and Legal Battles
The conflict is far from over. Virendra Singh Bhandari has issued a stern 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the cancellation of Dushyant Gautam's appointment. He has warned that failure to comply will trigger a nationwide movement.
Simultaneously, the protest has spilled into other regions, with the Youth Congress in Haldwani organizing a symbolic funeral procession for Dushyant Gautam to express their dissent.
On the other side of the dispute, Dushyant Kumar Gautam has vehemently denied all allegations linking him to the case. He has taken legal action in response to the accusations, filing a defamation suit against those making the claims.