Legal

Verdict Imminent In Ankita Bhandari Murder Case

The Additional District and Session Judge’s court in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, is set to deliver its verdict on Friday in the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case.

The case attracted nationwide attention after local residents protested the killing of the 19-year-old receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Yamkeshwar, Pauri district.

The resort operator, Pulkit Arya and his two employees, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, allegedly murdered Ankita Bhandari on 18 September 2022.

The incident shocked the community and sparked outrage, especially because Pulkit Arya is the son of Vinod Arya, a BJP leader.

Political Fallout And Investigation

Following public uproar, the BJP expelled Vinod Arya amid the controversy. In response, the Uttarakhand government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe into the case.

Court Proceedings And Final Arguments

The court concluded its hearings on Monday after nearly three years of proceedings.

On 19 May, Additional District and Sessions Judge Reena Negi heard the final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, setting 30 May as the date to announce the verdict.

Also Read: Allahabad High Court Dismisses Plea Against Ramayana, Veda Workshops In UP Schools

During the trial, the prosecution, led by advocate Anuj Pundir, presented 47 witnesses, including the investigation officer.

The prosecution alleged that a dispute between Ankita Bhandari and Pulkit Arya led to the accused, along with Bhaskar and Gupta, pushing Ankita into the Cheela canal in Rishikesh.

Public Outcry And Demand For Justice

Police arrested the three men and sent them to prison after recovering Ankita’s body from the canal. Concerned about possible leniency due to Pulkit Arya’s political ties, residents of Pauri district rallied in large numbers, demanding justice.

Their protests further prompted the government to ensure a thorough investigation and prosecution of the case.

As the verdict approaches, the nation watches closely, hoping for a fair and decisive outcome in this deeply unsettling case.

Richa Kaushik

Recent Posts

Markets Open Higher On Global Boost; Midcaps, Smallcaps Shine On Strong Domestic Support

Indian equity benchmarks kicked off Wednesday’s session on a positive note, tracking gains from global…

6 mins ago

Elon Musk Slams Trump-Backed Spending Bill; Warns Of Soaring Deficit

Elon Musk, former head of the US DOGE, has distanced himself from President Trump’s support…

27 mins ago

Tahawwur Rana To Appear Before NIA Court In 26/11 Terror Case

Tahawwur Rana, 26/11 accused, to appear before Delhi NIA court today after April extradition from…

55 mins ago

CJI BR Gavai Highlights Judicial Integrity At UK Supreme Court Roundtable

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai urges transparency and swift action to uphold public trust…

2 hours ago

Historic Win For RCB; Beats PBKS In Tight IPL 2025 Final Match

In a thrilling IPL 2025 final match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB…

8 hours ago

PM Modi Hails Andhra Pradesh’s #Yogandhra2025 Campaign; To Lead Yoga Day Celebrations In State

PM Modi has praised Andhra Pradesh’s large-scale preparations for International Yoga Day 2025, applauding its…

11 hours ago