What led to the life sentence for the killers of Ankita Bhandari?
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Synopsis
On May 30, 2023, an Uttarakhand court delivered a life sentence to three individuals involved in the notorious Ankita Bhandari murder case. This shocking incident, which captured national attention, involved a resort owner and his accomplices. Their heinous crime not only ignited public outrage but also prompted significant legal scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- The court sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment in the Ankita Bhandari murder case.
- Key figures involved include Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta.
- The case highlighted issues of justice involving influential individuals.
- Public protests played a significant role in demanding accountability.
- The trial examined numerous witnesses over an extended period.
Dehradun, May 30 (NationPress) An Uttarakhand court has sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment in connection with the shocking Ankita Bhandari murder case that took place in Pauri district in 2022.
Additional District and Session Judge, Kotdwar, Reena Negi, found Pulkit Arya, the owner of a resort and son of a former BJP official, alongside his accomplices Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, guilty of murdering Ankita, a 19-year-old receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Yamkeshwar.
The court convicted the trio under several penal provisions, including murder (IPC Section 302), an offence committed by an enforcing authority (Section 210b), and for causing the disappearance of evidence (Section 201).
As per police reports, Ankita was murdered on September 18, 2022, and her body was found in Chilla canal in Rishikesh six days after she was reported missing.
The prosecution claimed that a dispute arose between Ankita and Pulkit, leading him, along with Bhaskar and Gupta, to allegedly push her into the canal.
Pulkit, the resort owner, is the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, who served as a minister in the Uttarakhand government until 2021.
The case attracted significant media attention as local residents protested, demanding swift justice while law enforcement agencies appeared to stall the investigation.
On Friday, the courtroom was heavily secured, allowing entry only to lawyers and family members of both the victim and the convicts, with a no-entry zone extending 200 meters around the court.
The BJP expelled Vinod Arya from the party following the scandal, and the Uttarakhand government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case.
The court concluded its hearing after examining 47 witnesses over two years and eight months. Following the closing arguments on May 19, the Judge set May 30 for the verdict.
The prosecution submitted a comprehensive 500-page chargesheet, with hearings commencing on January 20, 2023.
Point of View
The Ankita Bhandari case represents a critical juncture for justice in India. It highlights the challenges of ensuring accountability in cases involving influential individuals. The public outcry demonstrates a demand for transparency and swift action against those in power, reinforcing the importance of a judiciary that upholds the rule of law.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against the convicts in the Ankita Bhandari case?
The convicts were charged with murder under IPC Section 302, committing an offence by an enforcing authority under Section 210b, and causing the disappearance of evidence under Section 201.
When did the Ankita Bhandari murder take place?
Ankita Bhandari was murdered on September 18, 2022.
Who is Pulkit Arya?
Pulkit Arya is the owner of Vanantra Resort and the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya.
What was the public's reaction to the case?
The case garnered significant public attention, leading to protests as citizens demanded swift justice.
How long did the court hearings last?
The court hearings lasted for over two years and eight months, examining 47 witnesses.
