Ankita Bhandari murder: How Uttarakhand police built case, ensured life sentences

Uttarakhand Additional Director General of Police (Crime and Law & Order) Dr V Murugesan on Thursday outlined the investigation and judicial proceedings in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the police, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the prosecution that led to the conviction of all three accused and their sentencing to life imprisonment.Addressing a press conference at the Police Headquarters in Dehradun, Murugesan said the police acted promptly after the incident involving 19-year-old Ankita, who worked as a receptionist at the Vanantara Resort near Rishikesh.The three accused were arrested within 24 hours of the incident coming to light, he said.Given the gravity and sensitivity of the case, a Special Investigation Team was constituted immediately under the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. A woman IPS officer of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank was appointed to lead the team to ensure a thorough and effective investigation.SIT’S 88-DAY INVESTIGATIONMurugesan said the SIT conducted a comprehensive investigation, collecting digital, technical, forensic and physical evidence. The team also examined the accused, analysed forensic reports and recorded statements from witnesses to establish the sequence of events and build the case. The investigation was completed within 88 days, following which the SIT submitted a detailed chargesheet of approximately 500 pages before the court.The case drew widespread public attention following Ankita's disappearance on September 18, 2022, and the subsequent recovery of her body from the Chilla canal.The murder triggered protests and intensified public debate over women's safety, alleged political influence and accountability in the investigation.Ankita was employed at the Vanantara Resort in the Yamkeshwar area of Pauri district, which was owned by Pulkit Arya, the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya. Pulkit, along with resort manager Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, was arrested in connection with the murder.ALL THREE ACCUSED GET LIFE TERMMurugesan said the state government took necessary measures to facilitate an expedited trial and ensure effective prosecution.The evidence collected by the SIT and arguments presented by the prosecution culminated in the conviction of the three accused by the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kotdwar on May 30, 2025.The court sentenced Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta to rigorous life imprisonment. All three remain incarcerated and are serving their sentences.The case had earlier witnessed intense public scrutiny, with Ankita's family and members of the public demanding stringent punishment for those responsible for her death.Murugesan's briefing underscored the role of coordinated investigation, evidence collection and courtroom prosecution in bringing the case to its judicial conclusion.With all three accused convicted and sentenced, the immediate legal proceedings have resulted in life imprisonment for the perpetrators.Any further developments will depend on subsequent legal proceedings, if pursued by the convicted men or other parties in accordance with the law.- Ends