Justice Served After Three Years: Ankita Bhandari Murder Case Convicts Sentenced to Life Imprisonment

After a long wait of nearly three years, justice has finally been served in the chilling Ankita Bhandari murder case. The Additional District Judge (ADJ) Reena Negi’s court has sentenced three accused, including Pulkit Arya, the son of a former BJP leader, to life imprisonment. The case, which shook the entire state of Uttarakhand and garnered nationwide attention, has seen its conclusion with this landmark judgment. The verdict was delivered after 97 testimonies, a 500-page chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), and a prolonged legal battle spanning 32 months.

This case not only exposed the dark underbelly of crime and exploitation but also highlighted the resilience of Ankita’s family and the public’s demand for justice. Let’s delve into the details of this case, which captured the nation’s attention and stirred emotions across all walks of life.

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The Tragic Incident That Shook the Nation

The story dates back to September 2022, when 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at the Vanantara Resort near Rishikesh, went missing. Ankita was known for her cheerful personality and hardworking nature. Her disappearance raised immediate concerns, and soon, a horrifying revelation came to light.

It was alleged that Ankita had been murdered by Pulkit Arya, the owner of the resort and son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, along with two of his employees, Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar. According to the investigation, Ankita was pushed into the Sheela Canal by the trio following a heated argument. The reason behind the argument was as disturbing as the crime itself. Ankita had reportedly refused to provide “extra services” to a VIP guest at the resort, which led to her tragic death.

Her body was later recovered from the canal, sending shockwaves across the country. The incident not only highlighted the exploitation faced by women in workplaces but also raised questions about the misuse of power and privilege by influential individuals.

The Investigation and Arrests

As the news of Ankita’s murder spread, public outrage grew. Protests erupted across Uttarakhand, with people demanding swift action against the accused. The state government handed over the case to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case.

The SIT’s investigation revealed chilling details about the crime. Ankita had been subjected to harassment and threats before her murder. On the night of the incident, Pulkit Arya and his accomplices lured Ankita to the canal under false pretenses and pushed her into the water after an argument. The autopsy report confirmed drowning as the cause of death, and injuries on her body indicated a struggle before her death.

Pulkit Arya, along with Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar, was arrested and charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 302 (murder), Section 354A (sexual harassment), and Section 201 (destruction of evidence). They were also charged under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, as the investigation revealed that the resort was being used for illegal activities.

The Legal Battle: A Fight for Justice

The trial was anything but easy. Ankita’s family faced immense challenges, including threats and attempts to delay the proceedings. The case gained political and social significance due to the involvement of Pulkit Arya, whose father, Vinod Arya, was a prominent BJP leader. Following public outrage, the BJP expelled Vinod Arya from the party, and the state government assured Ankita’s family of full support.

The prosecution presented a strong case, relying on eyewitness testimonies, forensic evidence, and CCTV footage. The SIT’s 500-page chargesheet detailed the sequence of events leading to Ankita’s murder and provided irrefutable evidence against the accused. Despite attempts by the defense to discredit the evidence, the court found all three accused guilty.

The Verdict: Life Imprisonment for the Accused

On May 30, 2025, the court delivered its verdict, sentencing Pulkit Arya, Ankit Gupta, and Saurabh Bhaskar to life imprisonment. The judgment was a significant victory for Ankita’s family and the public, who had been waiting for justice for nearly three years.

The court convicted Pulkit Arya under Section 302 (murder), Section 354A (sexual harassment), Section 201 (destruction of evidence), and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. His accomplices, Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar, were also found guilty under similar charges. The court ruled that the evidence presented by the SIT was sufficient to prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ankita’s Family Speaks Out

The verdict brought a sense of closure to Ankita’s family, but the pain of losing their daughter remains. Ankita’s mother, in an emotional statement, demanded the death penalty for the accused. “They took away my daughter’s life in the most brutal way. I plead with the authorities to give them the harshest punishment possible. Only then will my daughter’s soul rest in peace,” she said, holding back tears.

Ankita’s father also expressed his gratitude to the public and the media for their support. “This fight was not just for Ankita but for every girl who faces harassment and exploitation. We hope this verdict sends a strong message that no one is above the law,” he said.

Public and Political Reactions

The verdict was met with widespread relief and satisfaction. Political leaders, activists, and citizens praised the judiciary for delivering justice. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who had supported Ankita’s family throughout the case, welcomed the verdict and reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of women.

The case also sparked discussions about the need for stricter laws and better implementation to prevent crimes against women. Social media was flooded with messages of support for Ankita’s family, with many calling the verdict a victory for justice.

Government Support for Ankita’s Family

In the wake of the incident, the Uttarakhand government extended financial and emotional support to Ankita’s family. The government provided a compensation of ₹25 lakh, offered a government job to Ankita’s brother and father, and ensured their safety by replacing the public prosecutor multiple times at the family’s request.

The government also demolished parts of the Vanantara Resort, which had been illegally constructed, as a symbolic gesture to show that such crimes would not be tolerated.

A Case That Changed Uttarakhand

The Ankita Bhandari murder case will be remembered as a turning point in Uttarakhand’s fight against crime and exploitation. It exposed the misuse of power by influential individuals and highlighted the importance of a robust legal system to protect the vulnerable.

The case also served as a wake-up call for society to address the deeper issues of gender inequality and workplace harassment. Ankita’s story has become a symbol of resilience and the fight for justice, inspiring countless others to stand up against injustice.

Conclusion: Justice for Ankita

The life imprisonment of Pulkit Arya and his accomplices is a significant step toward justice, but it cannot undo the pain and loss suffered by Ankita’s family. As the nation moves forward, her story will serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability, the power of public demand for justice, and the resilience of those who refuse to give up in the face of adversity.

Ankita Bhandari’s legacy will continue to inspire change, ensuring that her tragic death was not in vain. Justice has been served, but the fight for a safer and more equitable society must go on.