Ankita Bhandari Case: All Three Accused Convicted of Murder by Uttarakhand Court in Vanantra Resort Tragedy
In a significant development in one of Uttarakhand’s most disturbing criminal cases, a local court in Kotdwar has convicted all three accused in the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at the now-demolished Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh. The case, which captured national attention and led to widespread protests, concluded with the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) court pronouncing the three men guilty on multiple serious charges.
Court Delivers Justice in High-Profile Case
The court found Pulkit Arya—resort owner and son of a former BJP minister—along with his accomplices Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, guilty under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 302 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (criminal conspiracy), and 354A (sexual harassment). Additionally, they were charged under provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, as reported by news agency ANI.
Though the court has yet to announce the sentencing, the prosecution is seeking the harshest punishment available under the law. Ankita’s grieving mother, Soni Devi, has also made an emotional appeal, demanding capital punishment for the convicted trio and urging the public to continue supporting her family’s quest for justice.
Public Outcry and Protests
The murder of Ankita Bhandari sparked massive outrage across Uttarakhand and India. Locals in Pauri district and beyond took to the streets in anger, demanding justice for the young woman. The protests intensified after allegations emerged that Ankita was murdered for resisting exploitation and that her employers were involved in nefarious activities. In a dramatic act of public fury, the Vanantra Resort itself was set ablaze by angry protestors following the discovery of her body.
Timeline of the Crime and Investigation
Ankita Bhandari was reported missing on September 18, 2022. After six agonizing days, her body was recovered from Rishikesh’s Chilla canal on September 24. The initial investigation suggested that she was pushed into a barrage by the three accused after she refused to entertain certain “VIP” guests at the resort.
The case was initially investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Deputy Inspector General of Police P. Renuka Devi. During the investigation, former employees of the resort came forward with chilling accounts of routine harassment and abuse at the hands of Pulkit Arya and Ankit Gupta. One female employee stated that the accused would frequently abuse and beat staff members for minor errors, and that women were often exploited under the guise of hospitality services.
Legal Proceedings and Court Hearings
Formal legal proceedings commenced on January 30, 2023, at the Kotdwar ADJ court. The prosecution filed a detailed 500-page chargesheet after months of investigation. Charges against the accused were formally framed, and the hearing of prosecution witnesses began on March 28, 2023.
Over the course of nearly two years, 47 key witnesses were examined in court, including the chief investigator. While the SIT had originally listed 97 witnesses, only the most crucial ones were called to testify. These testimonies, backed by forensic evidence and digital records, ultimately led to the court’s decision to convict all three men.
Family’s Plea and Future Sentencing
Speaking to the media following the court’s verdict, Soni Devi said, “May the criminals be sentenced to death… I appeal to the public of Uttarakhand to keep supporting us and come to the Kotdwar court to boost our morale.” Her call for capital punishment has resonated with many across the state who followed the case closely and supported the family throughout their legal battle.
A Broader Reflection on Safety and Accountability
The Ankita Bhandari case has become emblematic of the larger issues surrounding women’s safety and accountability for those in power. The involvement of a politically connected individual—Pulkit Arya is the son of former BJP minister Vinod Arya—has raised concerns about the influence and impunity often enjoyed by people in high places.
The case has also spotlighted the importance of swift and transparent legal proceedings in cases of gender-based violence. Public confidence in the justice system was initially shaken but appears to have been somewhat restored with the court’s decisive verdict.
Awaiting Sentencing
As the court prepares to determine the sentence for the three convicts, pressure is mounting from both the public and the prosecution for a punishment that reflects the gravity of the crime. A death sentence remains on the table, given the brutality and premeditation involved in Ankita’s murder.
Conclusion
The conviction in the Ankita Bhandari murder case marks a pivotal moment in Uttarakhand’s legal history. It not only delivers a sense of closure for Ankita’s family but also reaffirms society’s commitment to justice, even when the accused are powerful and well-connected. As the sentencing date approaches, the spotlight will remain firmly on the judiciary to ensure that the punishment fits the crime and that Ankita’s death was not in vain.
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