Congress Demands in Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: Public Disclosure of VIP Identity, Death Penalty for Convicts, and Independent Inquiry. Congress asserts the fight for justice will continue.
Uttarakhand: Following the court's verdict in the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case in Uttarakhand, the Congress party has once again targeted the state government. The Congress has raised three key demands, questioning the government and warning that their fight will continue until justice is served.
Congress Raises Three Key Demands in Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
After the court's verdict in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, the Congress party has made three significant demands to the state government. The first demand is to publicly identify the VIP involved, to clarify attempts to protect influential individuals. The second demand is to appeal to the Supreme Court for the death penalty for the convicts, ensuring complete justice for the victim. The third demand is for an independent judicial inquiry into the case, to ensure an unbiased investigation and prevent any facts from being concealed.
Congress Welcomes Court Verdict but Expresses Concerns
State Congress President Karan Mahra welcomed the court's verdict, calling it a significant step but only partial justice. He stated that several unanswered questions remain. For instance, which VIP's protection led to the resort's demolition, why were the evidences destroyed, and who attempted to mislead the investigation? Congress maintains that they will continue to raise this issue publicly until these questions are answered.
Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya Levels Serious Allegations Against the Government
Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya stated that while the court sentenced Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta to life imprisonment, Congress believes the government's prosecution successfully shielded a VIP. He said the public wants to know the identity of this VIP, who was protected through considerable efforts. He also questioned the order to demolish the resort and its purpose.
Harish Rawat Also Questions the VIP's Identity
Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat also responded to the case. He posted "Satyamev Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) on social media, stating that evidence was tampered with, the resort was set on fire, and crucial evidence destroyed in the Ankita murder case. He questioned which VIP pressured these actions. Harish Rawat claims Ankita's mobile phone could have been crucial evidence, but it was also missing. He added that divine justice prevails; the guilty cannot escape.
Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: Current Status
The Ankita Bhandari murder case has become a highly sensitive and widely discussed issue in Uttarakhand. This 2022 case shocked the entire state. Ankita worked at the Vanantra Resort, where she was exploited. When she resisted, she was murdered and her body dumped in the Cheela Canal.
Pulkit Arya (resort owner), Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta were arrested. The court recently sentenced all three accused to life imprisonment. However, Congress and several social organizations believe this verdict does not deliver complete justice, as the real culprits remain at large.
