Uttarakhand finds itself gripped by renewed controversy in the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case, with state minister Subodh Uniyal issuing a sharp challenge to critics. The senior BJP leader and Forest Minister stated that the government is prepared for any investigation, but only if credible evidence is presented by those making fresh allegations.
Minister's Challenge and Defence of SIT Probe
Addressing a press conference in Dehradun on Friday, Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal asserted that anyone leveling accusations must come forward with concrete proof. He emphasized that the government would ensure the security of such individuals. "Those making allegations on social media should come forward and present evidence. If anyone possesses concrete evidence, they should submit it to the investigating agency," Uniyal stated.
He vigorously defended the investigation conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was formed swiftly by the Pushkar Singh Dhami government following the crime. Uniyal highlighted that the SIT was led by a woman Deputy Inspector General, the accused were arrested promptly, and all forensic and circumstantial evidence was collected meticulously. The case, argued by a Special Public Prosecutor chosen by the victim's family, resulted in the convicts receiving life imprisonment without being granted bail.
Uniyal pointed to judicial endorsements, noting that the trial court, the Uttarakhand High Court, and the Supreme Court had all upheld the SIT's investigation as proper and refused further inquiry. "The Supreme Court, while upholding the SIT investigation, has already declined a CBI probe," he reminded, warning that action based on unsubstantiated claims could provide a legal advantage to the convicted offenders.
Fresh Allegations and Political Backlash
The minister's comments come against the backdrop of explosive new claims made by Urmila Sanawar, the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore. Sanawar released an audio clip in which Rathore purportedly identifies a VIP, who allegedly sought sexual favours from Ankita Bhandari, as a senior leader nicknamed "Gattu". The clip suggests the VIP is BJP national general secretary Dushyant Gautam, a claim Gautam has firmly denied.
Rathore has since dismissed the audio as AI-generated and accused his wife of defaming the party. However, the allegations have fueled public protests and intensified opposition demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the 2022 murder.
Reacting to Uniyal's stance, Congress spokesperson Garima Dasauni shifted the onus back onto the government. "Why are there a government and agencies if the people have to bring evidence to them? How can the government hold the general public responsible for allegations made by their own leader's wife?" she questioned. Dasauni cited alleged loopholes in the probe and urged the BJP to listen to its own leaders, like Trivendra Rawat and Vijaya Barthwal, who have sought an investigation.
Case Background and Planned Protests
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old, was working at the Vanantara resort in Rishikesh when she was allegedly murdered by the resort's manager, Pulkit Arya, the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya. Her body was recovered from a canal on September 24, 2022, six days after she was reported missing. WhatsApp chats indicated she was under pressure to provide sexual favours to guests. Vinod Arya was expelled from the BJP following the incident.
As public anguish persists, a protest has been planned for January 4 by civil society members and opposition parties in front of the Chief Minister's residence in Dehradun. The case, which has seen candlelight marches and sustained campaigns for justice, continues to apply significant political pressure on the Uttarakhand government three years after the tragic incident.
