Ankita Bhandari Case Sparks Fresh Protest as Family Demands Removal of Newly Appointed Sikkim Governor

New Delhi, October 15, 2026: The controversy surrounding the 2022 murder of Uttarakhand receptionist Ankita Bhandari has resurfaced following the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Governor of Sikkim. Ankita’s parents, who were detained by Delhi Police during a demonstration near India Gate on Wednesday, were released early Thursday morning after demanding that the Centre withdraw the appointment.

The family has given the Union government 24 hours to reconsider its decision, warning that demonstrations could spread across the country if their concerns remain unaddressed.

According to reports, the parents were released at approximately 5 a.m. after spending several hours in police detention.

Family Questions Governor Appointment Amid Ongoing Investigation

Ankita’s parents have strongly objected to Gautam’s appointment, citing allegations surrounding the involvement of an influential individual in their daughter’s murder.

The family has repeatedly raised questions about Gautam’s alleged connection to the case and is seeking the suspension of his appointment until the Central Bureau of Investigation completes its inquiry.

Gautam, who previously held senior organisational responsibilities within the Bharatiya Janata Party, was appointed Governor of Sikkim on October 12.

His appointment has triggered renewed political debate over the unresolved allegations concerning the alleged involvement of a politically influential person.

However, Gautam has rejected the accusations against him and has initiated defamation proceedings in response.

The allegations concerning his involvement have not been established as fact.

Ankita’s Father Warns of Nationwide Demonstrations

During the protest, Ankita’s father demanded immediate intervention from the central government.

He announced a 24-hour deadline for the withdrawal of Gautam’s appointment and warned that the family would intensify its campaign if the government failed to respond.

The parents have maintained that the investigation should be completed before Gautam continues in the constitutional position.

Their protest reflects continuing dissatisfaction over questions surrounding the alleged involvement of an unidentified influential individual in the murder case.

Congress Leaders Detained During India Gate Demonstration

The protest also witnessed the participation of several senior Congress representatives who supported the family’s demand for further action.

Among those detained were Congress media and publicity department chairman Pawan Khera, social media department head Supriya Shrinate and Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib.

The leaders were subsequently released.

On Wednesday, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi met Ankita’s parents during their demonstration near India Gate.

The Congress has questioned the timing of Gautam’s appointment, alleging that placing him in a gubernatorial position could complicate possible criminal proceedings.

The party has argued that constitutional protections available to Governors raise concerns about accountability while an investigation is pending.

These claims form part of the political dispute surrounding the appointment and do not establish Gautam’s involvement in the crime.

Revisiting the 2022 Murder That Shocked Uttarakhand

Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old employee at the Vanantra Resort near Rishikesh, was murdered on September 18, 2022.

Her disappearance and subsequent death triggered widespread public outrage, with demands for justice emerging across Uttarakhand and other parts of the country.

Four days after her murder, her body was recovered from the Chilla canal.

The investigation led to the prosecution of resort owner Pulkit Arya, whose father Vinod Arya was formerly associated with the BJP, along with two other accused.

All three were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Despite the convictions, the case continued to attract public attention because of allegations that an influential individual was connected to the circumstances surrounding Ankita’s death.

The family and several activists have consistently demanded a thorough examination of this alleged connection.

Political Dispute Intensifies Over Alleged VIP Connection

The question of an unidentified influential person has remained one of the most contentious aspects of the Ankita Bhandari case.

The victim’s family and supporters have sought further investigation into allegations that a politically connected individual may have been involved.

Gautam’s name has been raised by the family and activists in connection with these claims, although he has denied any wrongdoing.

The controversy has intensified following his appointment as Sikkim Governor.

Opposition leaders have demanded greater transparency, while the family has called for the completion of the investigation before the appointment is allowed to stand.

Family Continues Campaign for Justice

More than four years after Ankita Bhandari’s murder, her parents continue to seek answers regarding the allegations that have remained at the centre of public debate.

Their latest protest in the national capital has once again drawn attention to the case and prompted political reactions.

With the family setting a 24-hour deadline for government action, the dispute over Gautam’s appointment could lead to further demonstrations.

The next developments will depend on the government’s response and the progress of the ongoing investigation.

For Ankita’s parents, the demand remains focused on a complete examination of the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s death and accountability for anyone found responsible.