New Delhi, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Mahanagar Delhi Uttarakhand Pravasi Sangathan organized a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday regarding the Ankita Bhandari murder case, reiterating their call for a CBI investigation and prompt action against all individuals involved in the crime.

The tragic case of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist whose demise in 2022 sparked significant outrage in Uttarakhand, has resurfaced as a pivotal topic in both political and public discussions within the state.

During the protest, a participant told IANS, "We are here to advocate for a CBI investigation into the Ankita Bhandari case. We believe that regardless of one's status, justice must be served. We demand justice for Ankita Bhandari!"

Another protester highlighted that the case had taken a new turn due to recent disclosures.

"This incident occurred in 2022, and now a name, ‘Gattu’, has emerged following a whistle-blower, Urmila Sanawar, who identified it as Dushyant Singh Gautam. Given that the Dhami government is not willing to assist us, we have come to appeal to the Central government. We urge PM Modi and HM Amit Shah to initiate a CBI enquiry and ensure that if the accused is guilty of this atrocious act, he receives the harshest penalty," the demonstrator stated.

Expressing stronger demands, another protest participant declared, "We seek capital punishment for the murderers of Ankita Bhandari. The VIPs, perpetrators, and all individuals involved should face the death penalty. Justice must prevail."

Another protester claimed that vital evidence had been compromised during the investigation.

"Evidence was destroyed at the time of the crime. We demand justice for Ankita Bhandari and capital punishment for all responsible. She was coerced into providing 'special services' to a VIP. She documented this in her conversations with a friend. Now, a whistle-blower has also disclosed the identity of the VIP. Why is there no action?" they questioned.

Similar demonstrations took place in Dehradun, where locals, various organizations, and political entities rallied for a CBI inquiry and justice for the victim.

Recently, Uttarakhand has been the site of numerous protests advocating for accountability and a comprehensive investigation into the murder.

The heightened anger followed allegations made by television actress Urmila Sanawar on December 24, 2025, alleging a senior BJP leader was the previously unnamed 'VIP' linked to the case. She subsequently identified BJP National General Secretary and Uttarakhand in-charge Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the individual referred to as 'Gattu'.

This controversy has rapidly intensified, involving the ruling BJP, the Congress, the state police, and civil society groups, leading to protests, counter-allegations, and renewed scrutiny of the investigation's conduct.

The original incident is related to the rape and murder of Ankita Bhandari at the Vanantara resort near Rishikesh.

During the preliminary investigation, one of Ankita's friends informed the police that she was under pressure to "entertain" and provide "special services" to a VIP guest. Although this claim drew considerable attention at the time, the alleged "VIP" aspect was omitted from the charge sheet.

In May 2025, a Kotdwar court convicted resort owner Pulkit Arya and two of his employees, sentencing them to life imprisonment.

Pulkit Arya is the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, who was expelled from the party following the murder.

The BJP has firmly rejected the new allegations. Dushyant Kumar Gautam has labeled the accusations as defamatory and politically motivated, asserting that he has reached out to the Chief Minister's office for a formal investigation.

In a video statement, Gautam expressed that he would withdraw from public life if the allegations were proven and threatened legal action for defamation against anyone naming him without evidence.

He maintains that his longstanding political career is being undermined by what he describes as a smear campaign.