Dehradun: In a landmark verdict, the Kotdwar court in Uttarakhand has convicted Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta for the murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari in September 2022. The sentencing of the accused is yet to be announced.
The case sparked massive public outrage, with protests demanding justice for Ankita. The Uttarakhand government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter, leading to the arrest of the three accused.
The case that shocked Uttarakhand
Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at Vanantara Resort near Rishikesh, was reported missing for six days before her body was recovered from the Chilla canal on September 24, 2022. The investigation revealed that Pulkit Arya, the resort owner and son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, along with his employees Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, had pushed Ankita into the canal following an altercation.
Court proceedings & investigation
The trial began on January 30, 2023, with the prosecution filing a 500-page chargesheet detailing the events leading to Ankita’s murder. The testimony phase started on March 28, 2023, during which 47 witnesses, including investigators, were examined. On May 19, 2025, Additional District and Sessions Judge Reena Negi heard the final arguments between the defense and prosecution, leading to the conviction of the accused on May 30.
Refusal of Narco & polygraph tests
During the investigation, the three accused refused to undergo narco and polygraph tests, arguing that the SIT had not justified the need for such tests after filing the charge sheet. Despite this, the court found sufficient evidence to convict them.
Public reaction & security measures
The verdict has been met with mixed reactions, with Ankita’s family and supporters demanding strict punishment for the accused. The court premises in Pauri Garhwal were heavily secured, with police forces deployed to maintain law and order.
Awaiting sentencing
While the conviction has been confirmed, the quantum of punishment is yet to be announced. The court will soon decide the sentence, which could range from life imprisonment to the death penalty, depending on the severity of the charges. As the nation awaits the sentencing, Ankita’s family continues to fight for the harshest punishment, ensuring that such crimes do not go unpunished.
The conviction of Pulkit Arya and his associates marks a significant step toward justice for Ankita Bhandari. The case has highlighted issues of women’s safety, abuse of power, and the need for stricter regulations in Uttarakhand’s hospitality sector.
