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Dehradun: Dehradun witnessed massive protests yesterday as people from across Uttarakhand gathered to demand justice for Ankita Bhandari. The protest was called by the Uttarakhand Mahila Manch and supported by the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, Congress, and several social organizations.
Protesters marched from the Parade Ground to the Chief Minister’s residence, raising slogans and demanding a CBI investigation into the case. They also asked for the names of VIPs allegedly linked to the incident to be revealed.
Diverse groups join the protest
The protests were not limited to political parties. Transgender groups also joined, demanding justice for Ankita. Some protesters carried pots with slogans written on them, highlighting controversial remarks made by Minister Rekha Arya’s husband, Girdhari Lal Sahu.
This unique form of protest showed the anger and frustration among people, who believe the government is not doing enough to ensure justice.
Congress candlelight march
In Selaqui, Congress leaders organized a candlelight march. Former Leader of Opposition Pritam Singh and senior leader Aryendra Sharma led the rally, joined by hundreds of workers and local residents.
Pritam Singh accused the government of protecting the accused and shielding VIPs. He demanded that the case be investigated by the CBI under the supervision of the High Court or Supreme Court.
BJP’s counter-protests
While Congress attacked the government, the BJP also took to the streets. In Dehradun, BJP workers burned an effigy of the Congress party, accusing it of spreading false propaganda.
The BJP claimed that Congress was using the case as a political toolkit and hurting Ankita’s soul by politicizing the tragedy. Similar protests were held in Joshimath and Haridwar, where BJP workers raised slogans against Congress.
Haridwar foot march
Congress organized a large foot march in Haridwar, led by former Chief Minister Harish Rawat. The march began at Shiv Murti Chowk and ended at Har Ki Pauri.
Harish Rawat questioned BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt’s statement about approaching the court for a CBI probe. He asked whether the government was so helpless that it could not protect women’s dignity without court intervention.
Protests in Kumaon
The protests spread to Kumaon as well. In Nainital, Mahila Congress workers staged a protest outside the residence of BJP leader Sarita Arya, demanding that BJP women leaders present their views on the case.
In Kotdwar, Congress workers attempted to surround the residence of Assembly speaker Ritu Khanduri, but police stopped them with barricades. In Almora, Congress MLA Madan Bisht led a protest rally in Dwarahat, demanding strict action against the accused and alleged VIPs.
Government’s response
Minister Subodh Uniyal said that some people were misleading the public in the name of a CBI investigation. He assured that the government was committed to taking action and would not back down.
An audio clip linked to the case has gone viral and is being examined by forensic experts. The government has promised action once the report is received.
Why people are angry
The Ankita Bhandari murder case has shaken Uttarakhand. People believe that VIPs are being shielded and that justice is being delayed. The demand for a CBI investigation reflects the public’s lack of trust in the current process.
For many, the protests are not just about Ankita but about ensuring safety and dignity for women across the state.
Congress demands a CBI probe
The Ankita Bhandari case has become a symbol of public anger and political confrontation in Uttarakhand. While Congress demands a CBI probe and accuses the government of protecting VIPs, the BJP counters with its own protests, accusing Congress of politicizing the issue.
