By Sampadak Express
Uttarakhand Court Delivers Justice in High-Profile Ankita Bhandari Murder Case
In a long-awaited decision that has captured national attention, the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, has sentenced Pulkit Arya, son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, along with Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari.
The verdict was pronounced on May 17, 2025, nearly two years after the crime shook the state and country.
Background : What Happened to Ankita Bhandari?
Ankita Bhandari, a resident of Pauri district, worked as a receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Yamkeshwar, owned by Pulkit Arya. On the night of September 18, 2022, Ankita was allegedly pressured to provide “special services” to VIP guests. When she resisted and threatened to expose the operation, an altercation ensued.
Later that night, Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta reportedly pushed her into the Chilla canal in Rishikesh, where her body was recovered six days later on September 24.
Massive Public Outrage and Political Fallout
The case led to a statewide uproar. Citizens staged protests, demanding accountability. Locals even burned down the Vanantra Resort, accusing the authorities of initially shielding the perpetrators.
Following growing public pressure, the Bharatiya Janata Party expelled Vinod Arya from the party. The government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under DIG Renuka Devi to probe the case.
Key Highlights of the Trial
- Trial Duration: Nearly 2 years and 8 months
- Chargesheet: 500 pages, submitted by SIT
- Total Witnesses Listed: 97
- Witnesses Examined in Court: 47
- Charges: IPC Sections 302 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence), 120B (conspiracy), 354A (sexual harassment), Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act
Mother Demands Death Penalty, Appeals for Continued Support
Just hours before the verdict, Soni Devi, Ankita’s mother, addressed the media in tears, demanding the death penalty for the accused and urging people of Uttarakhand to support their family in their pursuit of justice
“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,” she said.
Legal and Social Implications of the Verdict
The conviction sends a strong message about crimes against women in India, especially when political power is involved. The ruling could become a benchmark case for justice delivery in high-profile criminal cases involving influential individuals.
Justice Served, But Questions Remain
While life imprisonment for the three convicts offers closure for many, Ankita’s family continues to call for capital punishment. The case has once again highlighted the urgent need for safeguarding women in workplaces, particularly where power dynamics are abused.
For the people of Uttarakhand and the country, Ankita Bhandari’s name is now a symbol of courage, resistance, and the fight for dignity.
