Ankita Bhandari Murder Case Verdict: In a big development that brought emotional moments across Uttarakhand, the Kotdwar Court on Friday, 30 May 2025, found all three accused guilty in the shocking Ankita Bhandari murder case. This case, which had made national headlines since September 2022, finally saw a major legal step as Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta were convicted by the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kotdwar.
Who Was Ankita Bhandari?
Ankita Bhandari was a 19-year-old girl from Pauri district in Uttarakhand. She worked as a receptionist at Vanantara Resort in Rishikesh, which was owned by Pulkit Arya. She had big dreams and wanted to support her family. But her life was tragically cut short on 18 September 2022 when she was allegedly murdered after resisting pressure to provide ‘extra services’ to VIP guests.
Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: What Happened That Day?
According to the investigation, Ankita went with Pulkit Arya, the resort manager Saurabh Bhaskar, and employee Ankit Gupta to Rishikesh on 18 September 2022. On their way back, they stopped near the Chilla canal. The three men consumed alcohol, and during this time, Ankita reportedly warned them that she would reveal illegal activities at the resort. Angered by this, the trio allegedly pushed her into the canal. Ankita was reported missing the same night. Her body was found six days later from the Chilla barrage.
Court’s Verdict and Family Reaction
The court held Pulkit Arya, son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, and his two associates guilty under several sections including murder, causing disappearance of evidence, and sexual harassment. They were also booked under the Gangster Act and Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. However, the punishment is yet to be announced.
Ankita’s mother, Soni Devi, broke down in court. She demanded capital punishment for the accused and thanked the people of Uttarakhand for supporting the family throughout this long and painful journey. “May the criminals be sentenced to death… I request everyone to continue supporting us,” she told reporters outside the courtroom.
Security Tightened Around the Court
Due to the sensitivity of the case, heavy police deployment was seen outside the Kotdwar Court. The entire area around the court was turned into a zero zone, and only court staff and government officials were allowed entry. SSP Lokeshwar Singh confirmed that police from surrounding districts were brought in to maintain peace.
The Long Road to Justice
The fight for justice wasn’t easy. Ankita’s case created a storm across Uttarakhand. The state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and a 500-page chargesheet was filed. 97 witnesses were listed, but only 47 crucial ones were brought to court. The trial began on 30 January 2023 and went on for more than two years. Due to the family’s repeated demands, government lawyers were changed three times to ensure fairness in the case.
The state government also extended financial help of Rs 25 lakh to the family and gave jobs to Ankita’s father and brother. The public prosecutor played a strong role in ensuring that the bail pleas of the accused were rejected multiple times.
Political Angle and Public Outrage
The case also saw political drama. Pulkit Arya’s father, Vinod Arya, was a BJP leader who was quickly removed from the party after his son was named the main accused. Political parties like the Congress were accused of only raising the ‘VIP angle’ outside court but failing to present strong arguments in front of the judge.
The people of Uttarakhand continued to support the Bhandari family through candle marches, social media campaigns, and public protests. For many, this case was not just about Ankita, but about standing up for the dignity and safety of women.
As the Kotdwar court pronounced its verdict, a sense of relief and justice spread among people, especially in Uttarakhand. But for Ankita’s family, the pain will always remain. The country now waits for the final sentencing of the three convicts. This verdict stands as a reminder that no matter how powerful someone is, justice can still be served when people stand together.
Also Read: Gauhati High Court gets bomb threat, second in two months
FAQs
Who were convicted in Ankita Bhandari murder case?
Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta were found guilty.
What was Ankita Bhandari’s job?
She was a receptionist at Vanantara Resort in Rishikesh.
What led to Ankita Bhandari murder?
She refused to provide ‘special services’ to VIP guests and threatened to expose illegal activities.
Where was Ankita Bhandari body found?
In the Chilla canal, Rishikesh, on 24 September 2022.
What actions were taken by the state in Ankita Bhandari murder case?
An SIT was formed, the family received Rs 25 lakh aid, and jobs were provided to her father and brother.
