‘Revoke Dushyant Gautam’s Appointment as Sikkim Governor in 24 Hours or Face Nationwide Protests’: Ankita Bhandari’s Father

The parents of Ankita Bhandari, the 19-year-old woman murdered in Uttarakhand in 2022, have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the revocation of Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor. Ankita’s father warned of nationwide protests if their demand was not met.

The ultimatum came after Delhi Police briefly detained Ankita’s parents and several Opposition leaders during a sit-in at India Gate, where the family was seeking further action in the case and raising questions over the identity of a purported VIP allegedly linked to the crime.

The family wants Gautam’s appointment put on hold until the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe is completed. Its demand is rooted in allegations surrounding the purported VIP, whose identity has remained a central issue in the campaign for further investigation.

“We are giving the government a 24-hour ultimatum. If it does not revoke Dushyant Gautam’s appointment, people across the country, in every state, will take to the streets to demand justice for Ankita Bhandari,” her father said. He alleged that the family had received incomplete justice and accused the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the government of protecting the purported VIP.

Congress leaders joined the family in criticising the appointment and the police action during the protest. Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib said Ankita’s parents had been fighting for justice for four years and accused the BJP of shielding the person they believe is connected to the case. His remarks were allegations and did not establish Gautam’s involvement in the murder.

Congress MP Pawan Khera questioned the appointment, saying it was unjust that a person facing allegations could occupy a Governor’s residence while those demanding answers were detained. He said Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had assured the family of their support and pledged that the party would continue raising the issue.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also said the party would stand with the family despite the detention of protesters. Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal said Ankita’s parents wanted to meet President Droupadi Murmu and seek the revocation of Gautam’s appointment, which was approved by the President.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate appealed to the President to intervene, questioning the appointment amid the continuing demand for further investigation. All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said the parents had travelled from Pauri Garhwal to Delhi and alleged that they were removed by police after sitting at India Gate for several hours.

The protest has renewed political pressure for further scrutiny of the case and the allegations surrounding the purported VIP. The family is seeking additional action while the CBI investigation remains ongoing.