KKN Gurugram Desk | In a landmark judgment, a special sessions court in Kotdwar on May 30, 2025, sentenced all three accused in the Ankita Bhandari murder case to life imprisonment after finding them guilty under Sections 302 (murder), 354 (assault with intent to outrage modesty), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code.

The court has also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on each convict, and ordered a compensation of ₹4 lakh to be paid to Ankita’s family.

Who Was Ankita Bhandari?

Ankita Bhandari was a 19-year-old receptionist at Vanantara Resort in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. She had joined the job just 20 days prior to her murder on September 18, 2022. Ankita’s death shocked the nation, especially due to the involvement of politically-connected individuals.

The Crime: A Timeline of Events

September 18, 2022

Ankita was last seen alive at the Vanantara Resort. She was reportedly being pressured by her employer and coworkers to engage in “unethical activities” with resort guests.

September 20, 2022

Resort owner Pulkit Arya, son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, filed a missing persons report in the revenue jurisdiction of Pauri Garhwal.

September 22, 2022

Amid growing public outrage and media pressure, the case was transferred to Laxman Jhula Police Station. Upon investigation, police detained Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta. The three confessed to having murdered Ankita by pushing her into the Chilla power canal to prevent her from exposing their demands.

September 23–24, 2022

The accused were remanded to judicial custody. The next day, Ankita’s body was recovered 13 kilometers downstream in the Chilla canal. Post-mortem was conducted at AIIMS Rishikesh.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

Special Investigation Team (SIT) Formation

On September 24, a Special Investigation Team was formed under the guidance of senior police officers. Over the next few months, the SIT compiled a 500-page chargesheet, listing 97 witnesses, of which 47 were presented and examined in court.

Start of Court Proceedings

The first court hearing began on January 30, 2023, in the Additional District and Sessions Court (ADJ Court), Kotdwar. The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Avneesh Negi, laid out a solid case based on forensic evidence, call records, and witness testimonies.

The trial spanned over two years and eight months, with frequent adjournments and legal hurdles, but consistent advocacy from Ankita’s family and women’s rights groups ensured the case stayed in the public eye.

Public Reaction and Security Arrangements

Heavy Police Deployment in Kotdwar

As the verdict day approached, Uttarakhand Police, assisted by PAC and law enforcement from neighboring districts including Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri, were deployed across Kotdwar.

Over 200 meters around the courthouse were cordoned off with Section 144 (CrPC) imposed to prevent gatherings and protests. Riot-control drills were conducted in advance, and four magistrates were posted to monitor law and order.

Attempt to Storm Court Premises

Just before the verdict was read, a large group of protestors attempted to breach police barricades outside the Kotdwar court, demanding capital punishment for the accused. Police used minimal force to disperse the crowd and maintain order.

Court’s Final Verdict – May 30, 2025

Judge of the Additional District and Sessions Court declared Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta guilty of:

• Murder (Section 302 IPC)

• Destruction of Evidence (Section 201 IPC)

• Sexual Harassment (Section 354 IPC)

All three were sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment, a penalty celebrated by Ankita’s family and social activists, though some still demanded harsher punishment.

Background on the Accused

• Pulkit Arya: Resort owner and son of BJP’s former minister Vinod Arya. Accused of misusing political influence to escape early scrutiny.

• Saurabh Bhaskar: Resort manager and active accomplice.

• Ankit Gupta: Another employee directly involved in Ankita’s assault and murder.

All three maintained that Ankita jumped into the canal of her own accord, but forensic reports and testimonies negated this claim.

Political and Social Repercussions

The case attracted nationwide attention due to:

• Pulkit Arya’s political connections

• Allegations of sex trafficking at the resort

• Claims that evidence was initially suppressed

Protests erupted across Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and beyond. Women’s organizations demanded a fast-track trial and stringent punishment, leading to political embarrassment for the ruling party.

What Happens Next?

Although life imprisonment has been granted, the defense may appeal in the Uttarakhand High Court. Meanwhile, civil society organizations are preparing to file a petition for harsher penalties, including consideration under the Nirbhaya Act or POCSO if any minor involvement is later uncovered.

While justice has been formally delivered in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, activists and citizens continue to demand stronger systemic safeguards for women working in the hospitality sector, particularly in remote areas where power dynamics are skewed.

The case also underlines the need for fast-track courts, independent police investigations, and protection of whistleblowers in cases involving influential accused.