NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to reconsider Dushyant Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor amid renewed demands for justice in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case. The move comes as Ankita’s parents warn of nationwide protests if the appointment is not revoked.In a letter shared alongside a post on X, Gandhi said the identity of the alleged VIP mentioned in the case remained unresolved nearly four years after of 19-year-old Bhandari’s murder. He alleged that the investigation into the VIP angle was proceeding slowly and questioned Gautam’s appointment while the inquiry remained pending.“Madam President, 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari refused to compromise her dignity for a VIP, which led to her murder. Even four years later, due to the CBI’s sluggish investigation, the question remains: who was that VIP?” Gandhi wrote on X.He added that many people, including Bhandari’s family, believed Gautam was connected to the case. These remain allegations, and Gautam’s alleged links to the crime have not been established in the information provided.In his letter, Rahul argued that a Governor’s constitutional position could complicate any future criminal proceedings. He cited Article 74(1) of the Constitution, saying the President could ask the government to reconsider its advice.“I request you to ask the Government to reconsider this appointment, and that Mr. Gautam not take office until the CBI has completed its investigation,” he wrote.Rahul also referred to the family’s continuing demand for justice, saying, “Ankita refused the repellent demand made of her and paid with her life. Her parents, who are still fighting for justice, are now protesting this appointment and being detained by police. Please act-provide solace to Ankita’s grieving parents and protect the high post of Governor.”He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the appointment. “While serving as Governor, no criminal proceedings can be initiated against him. By advising the appointment of Dushyant Gautam, Prime Minister Modi has proven that he has absolutely no concern for women’s safety. I appeal to you to advise the government to reconsider this appointment and not allow Dushyant Gautam to assume office until the investigation is complete. Do not let the hope for justice of Ankita’s parents be shattered”, Rahul wrote.
Ankita’s parents issue 24-hour ultimatum
Rahul’s letter comes a day after he met Bhandari’s parents at India Gate in Delhi, where they were protesting against Gautam’s appointment. On Thursday, Delhi Police briefly detained the family and several Opposition leaders during a sit-in at Delhi’s India Gate.
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Bhandari’s father, Virendra Singh Bhandari, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, warning of nationwide protests if the appointment was not revoked.“We are giving the government a 24-hour ultimatum. If it does not revoke Dushyant Gautam’s appointment, people across the country, in every state, will take to the streets to demand justice for Ankita Bhandari,” he told IANS.Bhandari, who worked as a receptionist at the Vanantra resort near Rishikesh, was murdered on September 18, 2022. Resort owner Pulkit Arya and two employees were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. The alleged VIP angle has remained a focus of the family’s demands, and the CBI inquiry into it is ongoing.Rahul’s appeal now places the President’s response and the government’s position on Gautam’s appointment under scrutiny, as the family presses for the investigation to be completed before he assumes the constitutional post.
