Ankita Bhandari’s Parents Give Government 24-Hour Deadline, Warn of Nationwide Protests

The parents of Ankita Bhandari have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the cancellation of Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor until the ongoing investigation into their daughter’s murder is completed. They have warned that failure to address their demand could trigger demonstrations across the country.

The announcement came on October 15, following a protest near India Gate in New Delhi. The family has been seeking further investigation into the alleged VIP connection in the case, maintaining that several questions surrounding their daughter’s death remain unanswered.

Ankita, a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand, was murdered in September 2022. Resort owner Pulkit Arya and two employees were convicted in the case and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, her parents continue to demand a comprehensive examination of the alleged involvement of an influential individual.

Family Opposes Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s Appointment

The immediate trigger for the latest protest is Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor. Ankita’s parents want the appointment reconsidered until the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) completes its probe into the alleged VIP angle.

The family has appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to intervene. They argue that the outstanding questions should be addressed before the appointment proceeds.

The allegations concerning the alleged VIP connection remain a matter of investigation. Gautam has not been convicted in connection with Ankita’s murder, and allegations should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence.

Parents Warn of Hunger Strike and Wider Demonstrations

During the protest, Ankita’s father gave the government 24 hours to respond to the demand for cancellation of the appointment. He warned that people across the country could take to the streets if the government did not act.

Her mother also said the family would continue its protest and consider a hunger strike if authorities did not permit them to demonstrate at the chosen location.

The parents were detained by Delhi Police during the early hours of October 15 and were subsequently released. The detention added another dimension to the controversy, with opposition leaders criticising the police action and expressing solidarity with the family.

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Extend Support

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Ankita’s parents during their protest at India Gate on October 14. Their participation brought renewed political attention to the family’s demand for further scrutiny of the case.

Opposition leaders have questioned the timing of Gautam’s appointment and called for the investigation to address the family’s concerns. The dispute has also revived broader discussions about accountability and the treatment of families seeking justice in high-profile criminal cases.

The Uttarakhand government, meanwhile, has highlighted the action taken after Ankita’s murder, including the arrests, investigation and convictions secured against the accused.

For Ankita’s parents, however, the central issue remains whether the investigation has fully addressed the alleged VIP connection. Their 24-hour deadline has placed fresh pressure on the authorities, while their warning of nationwide protests raises the possibility of the controversy continuing in the coming days.