What Will the Uttarakhand Court Decide in the Ankita Bhandari Murder Case?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The verdict in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, which has stirred public outrage, will be announced today. This case, involving the tragic death of a 19-year-old receptionist, has captured national attention and raised serious questions about political influence in criminal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- The court will announce its verdict today.
- Ankita Bhandari's case has drawn national attention.
- The accused are linked to political influence.
- Public protests have highlighted community concerns.
- The investigation included extensive witness testimonies.
Dehradun, May 30 (NationPress) The court presided over by the Additional District and Session Judge in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand is set to announce its ruling today in the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case. This case has garnered significant attention nationwide after local residents protested the tragic death of the 19-year-old woman, who was employed as a receptionist at the Vanantra Resort situated in Yamkeshwar of Pauri district.
It is alleged that the young woman was murdered by resort operator Pulkit Arya, along with his two associates, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, on September 18, 2022.
The case took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that Pulkit Arya is the son of Vinod Arya, a local BJP leader, leading to widespread protests from the community. In response to the uproar, the BJP expelled Vinod Arya from the party, and the Uttarakhand government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the incident.
The court concluded its hearings in the Ankita Bhandari murder case on Monday and is poised to deliver its verdict today.
On May 19 of this year, Additional District and Sessions Judge Reena Negi presided over the final arguments presented by both the defense and the prosecution, as the case had significant political implications in Uttarakhand.
Following the closing arguments, the judge set May 30 as the date for the verdict announcement.
The hearings extended over a period of two years and eight months, during which the prosecution, led by advocate Anuj Pundir, called 47 witnesses, including the Investigation Officer.
The prosecution's case suggests that a disagreement occurred between Ankita Bhandari and Pulkit Arya, after which he, along with Bhaskar and Gupta, allegedly pushed her into the Cheela canal in Rishikesh.
After her body was retrieved from the Cheela canal, the three suspects were apprehended and taken into custody.
Fearing potential leniency for the accused due to his political ties, the residents of Pauri district protested vigorously, prompting the Uttarakhand government to form a SIT to ensure a thorough investigation and bring the case to a just resolution.
Point of View
I emphasize the necessity for impartiality and thorough investigation in high-profile cases like Ankita Bhandari's. The public's demand for justice must be met with transparency and accountability, ensuring that no political affiliations impede the legal process.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the murder of Ankita Bhandari?
Ankita Bhandari was allegedly murdered following a dispute with Pulkit Arya, the resort operator.
Who are the accused in this case?
The accused include Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta.
Why did the public protest?
Protests erupted due to concerns that political connections might influence the case.
What is the significance of the verdict?
The verdict will address public concerns about justice and accountability in high-profile cases.
What actions did the government take in response to the protests?
The Uttarakhand government formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the matter.
