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Dehradun: The Ankita Bhandari murder case has once again become a flashpoint in Uttarakhand politics. Viral videos circulated by actress Urmila Sanawar and former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore alleged that BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dushyant Gautam was the “VIP guest” connected to the case.
Police have registered FIRs against Sanawar and Rathore, calling the clips misleading and defamatory. Gautam himself has written to the Home Secretary, demanding removal of the videos and describing them as part of a conspiracy to tarnish his image.
Congress seized the moment to attack BJP
But the Congress party has seized the moment to question the BJP. Leaders argue that instead of silencing voices, the ruling party should come clean about the “VIP angle” that has haunted the Ankita case since 2022.
Congress spokespersons say the FIRs against those sharing the videos show the BJP is more concerned about protecting its leaders than ensuring justice. “The public has a right to know who the VIP was. Why is the government avoiding this question?” one Congress leader asked.
The party has demanded that the investigation be handed over to an independent agency, such as the CBI, to restore public confidence. Congress leaders argue that the BJP’s attempts to dismiss allegations as defamatory only deepen suspicion.
Ankita case background
Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort in Rishikesh, was murdered in September 2022 after allegedly refusing to provide “special services” to a VIP guest. The mention of a VIP in case documents triggered outrage and speculation. Opposition parties, especially Congress, have repeatedly demanded disclosure of the name.
Viral clips have reignited the debate
The resurfacing of allegations through viral clips has reignited the debate. Congress says the BJP cannot escape accountability by calling the videos false.
For Congress, the issue is not just about one leader but about the BJP’s credibility. “If the BJP has nothing to hide, why not allow a transparent probe? Why target those who raise questions?” party spokesperson Garima Mahara Dasauni said.
They argue that the Ankita case symbolizes the larger problem of women’s safety and governance failures in Uttarakhand. By linking the controversy to Gautam, Congress is pressing the BJP to answer whether powerful interests interfered in the investigation.
Police and BJP stance
Police maintain that the allegations are baseless and part of a conspiracy. Gautam has denied any involvement, calling the campaign malicious. BJP leaders say Congress is politicizing a sensitive case for electoral gain.
Congress strategy
Despite police clarifications, Congress continues to highlight the issue in rallies and press conferences. The party believes the public anger over Ankita’s murder and the unanswered “VIP question” could weaken BJP’s image in Uttarakhand.
