Will the Delhi Court Hear Dushyant Gautam's Defamation Case Linked to the Ankita Bhandari Murder?
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Synopsis
The Delhi High Court is poised to hear a critical defamation case involving BJP leader Dushyant Gautam. This case emerges amidst renewed public outrage linked to the tragic 2022 murder of Ankita Bhandari, stirring political tensions and protests in Uttarakhand.
Key Takeaways
- The Delhi High Court will hear a defamation case tomorrow.
- Dushyant Gautam is seeking Rs 2 crore in damages.
- The case is linked to the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case.
- Protests have erupted in Uttarakhand over the allegations.
- Gautam claims the accusations are a smear campaign.
New Delhi, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Delhi High Court is set to hear, on Wednesday, the defamation case initiated by BJP General Secretary Dushyant Gautam against Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and various other parties concerning posts that connect him to the tragic 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case.
Gautam's attorney, Gaurav Bhatia, has requested an expedited hearing from the court.
He is seeking the removal of the allegedly defamatory statements and demanding Rs 2 crore in compensation.
The murder of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist, sparked significant outrage across Uttarakhand in 2022, and the case has re-emerged as a focal point of political and public conversation amidst ongoing protests in the state.
This renewed anger was ignited by allegations made by television actor Urmila Sanawar on December 24, 2025, who accused a senior BJP leader of being the previously anonymous 'VIP' involved in the case. She subsequently identified Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the figure referred to as 'Gattu'.
The situation has escalated quickly, involving the ruling BJP, Congress, state law enforcement, and civil society organizations, leading to protests, counter-claims, and increased scrutiny of the investigation's conduct.
The initial case involves the rape and murder of Ankita at the Vanantara resort near Rishikesh.
During the first investigation, a friend of Ankita informed the police that she had been pressured to 'entertain' and provide 'special services' to a VIP guest. Although this claim gained considerable attention, the alleged 'VIP' connection was ultimately excluded from the charge sheet.
In May 2025, a court in Kotdwar convicted resort owner Pulkit Arya along with two of his staff, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
Pulkit Arya is the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, who was expelled from the party following the incident.
The BJP has firmly rejected the new allegations. Dushyant Kumar Gautam has labeled the accusations as defamatory and politically motivated, and he has approached the Chief Minister's office for a formal investigation.
In a video statement, Gautam asserted that he would withdraw from public life if the allegations prove true and has threatened legal action for defamation against anyone who names him without proof.
He claims that his long-standing political career is under siege from what he describes as a smear campaign.
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the sensitivity surrounding the Ankita Bhandari case, reflecting the public's demand for justice. The allegations against Dushyant Gautam bring forth a complex intersection of politics and crime, necessitating thorough investigation and accountability for all involved. Our commitment remains with truth and unbiased reporting.
NationPress
08/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ankita Bhandari murder case?
The Ankita Bhandari murder case involves the tragic death of a 19-year-old receptionist in 2022, which led to widespread outrage and calls for justice in Uttarakhand.
Who is Dushyant Gautam?
Dushyant Gautam is the General Secretary of the BJP and is currently involved in a defamation case related to allegations connecting him to the Ankita Bhandari murder.
What are the allegations against Dushyant Gautam?
Gautam is accused of being linked to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, which he claims are defamatory and politically motivated.
What is the outcome of the initial investigation?
In May 2025, a court convicted Pulkit Arya and two employees for their involvement in the murder, sentencing them to life imprisonment.
What actions has Dushyant Gautam taken?
Gautam is seeking legal recourse to remove defamatory content and demands compensation for damages.
