Ankita Bhandari Case: Rahul Gandhi Urges President to Halt Dushyant Gautam's Governor Appointment
Rahul Gandhi asks President Murmu to reconsider Dushyant Gautam as Sikkim Governor amid unresolved links to the Ankita Bhandari murder case.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has formally appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to reconsider the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim. The Congress leader argues that Gautam should not be allowed to assume the office until the investigation into the brutal murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari is fully concluded.
Questions Over the 'VIP' Identity
Taking to the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi raised serious concerns regarding the pace of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. He highlighted that four years after the tragic incident, the identity of the "VIP" allegedly linked to the crime remains a mystery.
Gandhi stated that Ankita Bhandari was murdered after she refused to compromise her dignity for a high-profile individual. He expressed shock at the gubernatorial appointment, noting that many people, including the victim's grieving family, believe Dushyant Gautam is connected to the case.
“Madam President, Ankita Bhandari, aged 19, refused to compromise her dignity for a VIP, which led to her murder. Even four years later, due to the CBI's sluggish investigation, the question remains: who was that VIP?”
Concerns Over Legal Immunity
A primary point of concern raised by the Congress leader is the legal protection afforded to the office of the Governor. Gandhi claimed that once Gautam assumes the role, no criminal proceedings can be initiated against him, which could potentially obstruct the path to justice for the victim's family.
He further criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that advising such an appointment demonstrates a complete lack of concern for women's safety. Gandhi urged the President to ensure that the hopes of Ankita's parents for justice are not shattered.
Family's Desperate Plea and Protest
The appointment has sparked outrage among Ankita Bhandari's parents, who made a fresh appeal for justice on Thursday. The family's distress came to a head following a pre-dawn operation by the Delhi Police around 4:00 AM, where the parents were detained during an overnight sit-in protest at India Gate.
After being released from the Tilak Marg Police Station, Ankita's father issued a stern warning to the authorities. He demanded that the gubernatorial appointment be put on hold, stating that if their concerns are not addressed within 24 hours, the people of Uttarakhand would take to the streets.
Demands for Transparency
The family has called for the immediate public disclosure of specific evidence to clear the air, including:
- Location details for Ajay Kumar and Dushyant Kumar for September 18–19, 2022.
- Call records for both individuals during the same period.
Ankita's mother emphasized that her struggle is not merely for her own child but is a fight for the safety and dignity of all daughters. She requested continued public support to ensure the person appointed as Governor is held accountable if found involved.
Case Background
The tragedy dates back to September 18, 2022, when 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari was murdered. Her body was recovered six days later, on September 24, 2022, from the Chilla Canal, sparking a massive outcry over the safety of women and the influence of powerful individuals in the region.