In a landmark verdict, the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, has sentenced Pulkit Arya, son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya, along with his associates Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari.
The court found the trio guilty under Sections 302 (murder), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code. Each convict was also fined ₹50,000, with a total compensation of ₹4 lakh to be paid to Ankita Bhandari’s family.
Ankita Bhandari, a native of Pauri Garhwal, had been working as a receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh, which was owned by Pulkit Arya. On September 18, 2022, she was murdered after allegedly resisting Arya’s attempts to coerce her into providing “special services” to resort guests. Her body was discovered six days later in the Chilla canal, following confessions from the accused.
The case sparked nationwide outrage due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of individuals with political connections. Massive protests erupted across Uttarakhand, demanding swift justice and better safety for women. In response, the state government promised a fast-tracked investigation and judicial process.
During the trial, the prosecution submitted a 500-page chargesheet and presented 47 witnesses, meticulously detailing the events leading up to the murder. The investigation highlighted how Ankita had informed close acquaintances about the pressure she was under, which later became crucial evidence.
Despite the convictions, Ankita’s family has expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict. Her mother, in particular, stated that she hoped for the death penalty, arguing that life imprisonment was not a sufficient punishment for the brutality inflicted upon her daughter.
The judgment is being viewed as a significant milestone in Uttarakhand’s legal history, emphasizing that justice can be served regardless of political influence or social status. It also raises important questions about the safety of women in workplaces, especially those involving hospitality and tourism, where power dynamics can often be exploited.
As the country digests the outcome of this high-profile case, it serves as a somber reminder of the persistent vulnerabilities faced by women. It reinforces the need for systemic reform, including stricter workplace policies, stronger legal protections, and more accountability for those in positions of power.
This verdict, while delivering some measure of justice, also renews calls for deeper societal and institutional change to prevent such tragedies in the future.
