Kotdwar: After nearly two years and eight months, the Kotdwar Additional District and Sessions Court has pronounced its final verdict in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, sentencing Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta to life imprisonment.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on each convict and directed them to pay Rs 4 lakh in compensation to Ankita’s family.
A case that shook Uttarakhand
The murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari in September 2022 sparked nationwide outrage, leading to mass protests and demands for swift justice. Ankita, a receptionist at Vanantara Resort in Yamkeshwar, was reported missing on September 18, 2022. Her body was recovered six days later from the Cheela canal in Rishikesh.
Investigations 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. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under DIG (Law and Order) P. Renuka Devi, leading to the arrest of the three accused.
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. The SIT had initially prepared a list of 97 witnesses, but only 47 crucial testimonies were presented in court. 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.
Commotion outside the court
As the verdict was about to be announced, a large crowd gathered outside the court premises, attempting to break barricades in protest. The police used heavy force to control the situation, ensuring that security remained intact. Police forces from multiple districts in Garhwal division were deployed across Kotdwar city to prevent any law-and-order disruptions.
Ankita’s parents’ struggle for justice
Ankita’s father, Birendra Singh, fought tirelessly for justice, traveling across Pauri, Muni Ki Reti, and Rishikesh in search of answers. He sat on a dharna, forcing the police to take action. Before the verdict, Ankita’s mother expressed faith in the judiciary, stating that she trusted the court to deliver justice. Her father, overwhelmed with grief, said, “They have killed my daughter. The people of Uttarakhand have supported us, and we are grateful for their solidarity.”
The verdict & its impact
The court convicted all three accused under Sections 302 (murder), 201 (destruction of evidence), and 354 (misbehavior with a woman) of the Indian Penal Code. The life imprisonment sentence marks a significant victory for Ankita’s family and supporters. The state government had promised the harshest punishment, and the court’s ruling aligns with public expectations. The conviction reinforces the importance of justice for women’s safety, ensuring that such crimes do not go unpunished.
Political & social repercussions
Pulkit Arya’s father, Vinod Arya, was expelled from the BJP immediately after his son’s involvement in the case was revealed. The public outrage forced the government to act swiftly, leading to the formation of the SIT and strict legal proceedings. The case has highlighted the abuse of power, particularly in Uttarakhand’s hospitality sector, where exploitation and misconduct often go unchecked. The verdict serves as a warning to those who believe they can escape justice through influence and money.
The defense likely to appeal the verdict
While the conviction has been confirmed, the legal battle may continue, with the defense likely to appeal the verdict. However, Ankita’s family remains determined to ensure that justice prevails. The Kotdwar court’s ruling is a landmark moment, proving that justice, though delayed, has not been denied. As the nation reflects on Ankita’s tragic fate, her story stands as a reminder of the need for stronger laws and protections for women. With public support and judicial integrity, Uttarakhand has set a precedent for swift and decisive action against crimes targeting women.
