DEHRADUN: Widespread protests erupted across Uttarakhand on Sunday as citizens, activists and political groups demanded the arrest of an alleged VIP in connection with the Ankita Bhandari murder case, intensifying pressure on the state government over what protestors described as incomplete justice and unanswered questions.
Large gatherings were reported in Dehradun, Almora, Salt, Dwarahat and several other towns, where demonstrators took to the streets raising slogans seeking accountability and transparency. The protests reflected sustained public anger over the handling of the case, despite the conviction of the three main accused earlier.
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort near Rishikesh, was murdered in September 2022. While the resort owner and two employees were later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, protestors argue that the investigation failed to address alleged involvement of an influential individual, often referred to as a “VIP” in public discourse.
Our correspondent reports that in Dehradun, hundreds of protestors attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence. Police erected barricades near Hathibarkala to prevent the crowd from advancing further. Tensions rose as demonstrators tried to breach the barricades, leading to brief scuffles between police personnel and protestors. Additional security forces were deployed to prevent escalation.
Protestors carried placards demanding a fresh investigation and called for the case to be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Many accused the authorities of shielding powerful interests and said justice would remain incomplete unless all alleged links were thoroughly examined.
Our correspondent adds that parallel protests were organised outside district magistrate offices and government buildings in several parts of the state. In some locations, opposition party workers staged sit-ins and raised slogans demanding the arrest of the alleged VIP. Effigies were also burnt at a few protest sites, reflecting rising public frustration.
Demonstrations were not limited to Uttarakhand. In New Delhi, members of Uttarakhand migrant organisations gathered at Jantar Mantar, echoing similar demands. Speakers at the protest alleged that influential figures had escaped scrutiny and urged central authorities to intervene to ensure an impartial probe.
Several women’s groups and student organisations participated prominently in the protests. They said the case symbolised a broader concern about women’s safety and accountability when influential individuals are allegedly involved. Protestors said they would continue demonstrations until their demands were addressed.
Political reactions followed swiftly. Leaders from opposition parties accused the state government of failing to act decisively and demanded a court-monitored investigation. They said public confidence in the justice system had been eroded by repeated allegations of cover-up and delay.
Police officials, however, maintained that the investigation had been conducted thoroughly. They reiterated that no evidence had emerged to support claims of VIP involvement and said all findings had been placed before the court. Officials also warned against spreading unverified information, stating that misinformation could disturb public order.
Our correspondent reports that authorities increased police presence in sensitive areas and appealed to citizens to maintain peace. Senior officials said law and order remained under control, though they acknowledged the intensity of public sentiment surrounding the case.
Activists said the renewed protests were triggered by recent public statements and social media discussions that revived questions about the role of influential individuals. They said earlier assurances by authorities had failed to convince the public that the case was investigated without bias.
Families of the victim and their supporters reiterated that they were not seeking political confrontation but justice. They said accountability must apply equally to all, regardless of social or political status.
Organisations backing the protests announced plans to intensify agitation in the coming days. A state-wide bandh has been proposed later this month if the government does not respond to the demands.
As protests continued across Uttarakhand, the Ankita Bhandari case once again emerged as a focal point of public discourse, underscoring persistent concerns about transparency, influence and trust in the justice delivery system.
