In a major verdict, the Uttarakhand court on Friday convicted three men in the Ankita Bhandari murder case. The accused are resort owner Pulkit Arya, manager Saurabh Bhaskar, and assistant manager Ankit Gupta. This judgment brings some relief to a family and community that demanded justice since 2022.
Ankita Bhandari was just 19 when she was found dead.
She had started working as a receptionist at Vanantara Resort near Rishikesh to support her struggling family in Srinagar Garhwal.
Only days after joining, she disappeared on September 18, 2022. Her body was later found in the Chilla canal. Investigators confirmed drowning as the cause of death, but her body also showed injury marks.
What does this mean for the average person? It shows that even powerful individuals cannot escape the law when crimes are committed. Ankita’s case shocked Uttarakhand and sparked protests across the state.
People were angry not only about her death but also about the alleged exploitation linked to the resort owner. The family accused Pulkit Arya of forcing Ankita into prostitution. This claim added fuel to the public outrage.
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Adding political drama, Pulkit Arya’s father, Vinod Arya, who was a BJP leader, was quickly expelled from the party amid the uproar. This case became more than a murder trial—it was a test of power, corruption, and justice.
Before the verdict, Ankita’s mother, Soni Devi, made a heartfelt appeal. She asked people to support her family and pray for the harshest punishment. “May the criminals be sentenced to death,” she said. Her words captured the grief and anger felt by many.
The court’s verdict came after a thorough investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). They submitted a detailed 500-page charge sheet with 97 witnesses. Each testimony was carefully considered during the trial.
The conviction sends a strong message: no one is above the law. For those watching, it feels like justice for Ankita is finally on the horizon. Yet, the pain of losing a young life so brutally remains fresh.
This case also highlights the larger issue of workplace safety and exploitation, especially for young women. Ankita’s tragic story could be a wake-up call for better protection and stronger laws.
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