Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared on Tuesday that he will personally meet the parents of Ankita Bhandari, the 19-year-old receptionist whose tragic death in September 2022 sparked massive public anger. This announcement comes as fresh demonstrations demanding a thorough investigation sweep across the state.
CM's Commitment to Justice and Law
Addressing the media at a press conference, Dhami stated his intention to speak with the grieving family. "As the chief servant of the state, I will speak with her parents. After that, we will take forward whatever they desire for their daughter’s justice in a manner consistent with the law," he affirmed. He emphasized that the state government is open to any form of inquiry, responding directly to the ongoing protests calling for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case.
"We are ready for any kind of probe. Ankita Bhandari is like our own daughter, and ensuring justice for her has been our highest priority," the BJP leader said. He pointed out that strict legal action has already been taken, resulting in life imprisonment for the convicted individuals.
Case Background and Convictions
In May 2023, a local court found Pulkit Arya, the son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, guilty of Ankita Bhandari's murder. Arya, who owned the Vanantra Resort in Uttarakhand where the victim worked as a receptionist, received a life sentence along with two of his accomplices. Despite the convictions, Bhandari's parents have consistently demanded capital punishment for the killers, keeping the quest for justice alive.
Controversial Audio and Political Undertones
The recent surge in protests was partly triggered by the emergence of a purported audio recording. This audio allegedly mentions a 'VIP' whom Bhandari had refused to 'serve,' a refusal that supposedly led to her murder. Chief Minister Dhami commented on this development, questioning the motives behind its circulation.
"One name was mentioned through an audio… Is someone trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the state and looking for political ground here? There are other ways to do politics," Dhami remarked. However, the Uttarakhand Police have officially denied any involvement of a 'VIP' in the case, maintaining the established narrative of the crime.
The Chief Minister's planned meeting with the family is seen as a direct response to the escalating public demand for accountability and a more transparent investigation. The case continues to be a sensitive issue in Uttarakhand, highlighting concerns over women's safety and the efficacy of the justice system.
