NEW DELHI: The Kotdwar Sessions Court in Uttarakhand convicted all three accused in the 2022 murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari.
The court found Pulkit Arya, the son of an expelled BJP leader and owner of Vanantra Resort, along with his two employees, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, guilty of the crime. Charges and Evidence Presented The prosecution presented a comprehensive 500-page charge sheet, including testimonies from 47 witnesses and over 30 documentary evidences.
The accused were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 (murder), 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
The case has drawn significant public attention, with widespread protests demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari. Her mother has publicly called for the death penalty for the convicted individuals. Sentencing is pending, and the court has scheduled a hearing for June 6, 2025, to determine the appropriate punishment.
Ankita Bhandari was reported missing on September 18, 2022, after an alleged altercation at Vanantra Resort. Her body was recovered from the Chilla canal near Rishikesh six days later. The investigation revealed that she had been pressured to provide “special services” to guests, and when she resisted, she was murdered. Pulkit Arya reportedly confessed to pushing her into the canal, leading to her death.
The trial was conducted under heightened security to prevent any untoward incidents. The court proceedings were closely monitored by the public and media, reflecting the case’s national significance. The swift legal process and the eventual conviction have been seen as a step towards ensuring justice for victims of similar crimes.
