New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) BJP's National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam expressed his satisfaction with the Delhi High Court's recent ruling, which provided him with interim relief in a defamation lawsuit. The court has instructed the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and several other parties to remove social media content that falsely associated him with the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case.

In response to the court's decision, Gautam asserted that the opposition was exploiting the Ankita Bhandari case due to their inability to present real issues regarding the BJP, aiming solely to tarnish the party's reputation.

The shocking murder of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist whose tragic fate in 2022 sparked extensive protests across Uttarakhand, has once again become a focal point in political discussions.

The controversy reignited after television actress Urmila Sanawar alleged on December 24, 2025, that a senior BJP figure was the unnamed 'VIP' previously linked to the case. She subsequently identified Dushyant Kumar Gautam, referring to him as 'Gattu'.

Speaking to IANS, Gautam stated, "The truth always emerges, and we trust the justice system to operate within the framework of the Constitution. Unfortunately, a young woman was murdered, and it is disheartening that Congress has consistently brought this issue up over the last six months. They lack valid topics to confront the BJP and persist in raising the 'VIP' aspect of the Ankita Bhandari case, with the AAP and Congress joining in this narrative."

The BJP has firmly denied the recent accusations. Gautam described them as defamatory and politically motivated, adding that he has approached the Chief Minister's office to call for a thorough investigation.

"They have attempted to tarnish my image and insult the memory of that daughter. Today, the court directed the AAP, Congress, and others to eliminate all social media posts connecting me to the case," he continued.

Gautam emphasized that he was not in Uttarakhand when the crime occurred.

"I acknowledge that my reputation has suffered, causing me distress, but I am aware that these individuals are lying. Initially, I was unaffected, but when it escalated, I had to take action. I filed a Rs 2 crore defamation suit and presented all pertinent evidence. We are confident that justice will prevail," he said.

The BJP leader claimed that these latest allegations are part of a broader scheme to undermine his party politically. He labeled Urmila Sanawar and former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore as "tools" being exploited by Congress to target the BJP.

"I am uncertain why this is happening, but I suspect there is a definite hostility toward the party. Hence, they mentioned the VIP name. Regardless of their admissions, there was pressure, and the BJP's name was repeatedly highlighted. Both Urmila Sanawar, the woman who mentioned my name, and Suresh Rathore, who was expelled from the party, serve as instruments of the Congress party," Gautam told IANS.

"I possess unwavering faith. I believe in my integrity and truthfulness," he added.

This situation follows the release of an audio clip by Sanawar, allegedly containing remarks from Suresh Rathore, who purportedly identified Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the 'VIP' mentioned in relation to the Ankita Bhandari murder case.

The original incident pertains to the murder of Ankita Bhandari at the Vanantara resort near Rishikesh.

During the initial investigation, one of Ankita's friends informed authorities that she was under pressure to "entertain" and provide "special services" to a VIP guest. Although this assertion garnered significant attention, the alleged 'VIP' aspect was not included in the chargesheet.

In May 2025, a trial court sentenced Pulkit Arya, the son of a former BJP leader, and two others to life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, Gautam contends that his extensive political career is under siege due to what he has termed a smear campaign.