Dehradun Mahapanchayat Intensifies Calls for Justice in 2022 Rishikesh Resort Murder
A significant mahapanchayat convened in Dehradun on Sunday, drawing participants from approximately 40 social organizations, women's groups, and opposition leaders to demand justice for the 19-year-old receptionist murdered at a Rishikesh resort in September 2022. This gathering occurred even as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated its probe into the high-profile case.
Key Demands and Political Pressure
Participants at the mahapanchayat unanimously called for the identification of an alleged "VIP" connected to the case, a Supreme Court-monitored CBI investigation, and the immediate resignation of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. They argued that Dhami's continuation in office could potentially influence the probe, compromising its independence.
The victim was murdered by three men: resort owner Pulkit Arya, who is the son of a now-expelled BJP functionary, along with his associates Ankit Gupta and Saurabh Bhaskar. All three are currently serving life sentences in jail. According to reports, the accused were pressuring the victim to provide special services to a VIP, described as a senior political leader whose identity remains undisclosed.
Concerns Over Investigation Integrity
Activists, led by Kamla Pant of the Uttarakhand Mahila Manch, presented five key demands, which have also been submitted to the President of India. A primary focus is uncovering why the government appears to be protecting the unidentified VIP. The mahapanchayat passed a resolution urging the President to intervene under Articles 21 and 355 of the Constitution to ensure a fair, independent, and time-bound judicial inquiry.
A letter circulated at the event highlighted critical flaws in the previous Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe. It noted that while the murderers were convicted, the investigation ignored facts related to the VIPs whom the victim had refused to serve. No chargesheet was filed against these individuals, and no investigation was conducted into their roles, leaving the victim's family without full justice.
Controversy Surrounding FIR and Probe Direction
The letter raised serious concerns about an FIR registered on January 9 at the Vasant Vihar police station based on a complaint by Padma Bhushan environmentalist Anil Joshi, who has no connection to the case. It argued that the CBI investigation is proceeding on this basis rather than on the complaint filed by the victim's family, suggesting an attempt to mislead the probe, divert its direction, and distort facts.
The mahapanchayat demanded that further investigation be initiated immediately based on the victim's family's complaint. Additionally, they called for BJP functionaries identified as possible VIPs to be removed from their positions and subjected to investigation. Participants warned that agitation across the state would intensify if these demands are not met within 15 days.
Family's Stance and Political Reactions
The victim's parents were present at the mahapanchayat, with her mother visibly distraught. Her father firmly rejected rumors that the family had compromised after meeting the chief minister earlier. He stated, "When our daughter didn't budge, how can we give up? Our demand has always been a CBI probe under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge and action against the VIP responsible for her death."
He emphasized that the probe should be based on their complaint, not on Anil Joshi's, and called for investigating the call details of BJP MLA Renu Bisht, who allegedly ordered the bulldozing of the resort to destroy evidence, along with those accused of being VIPs.
Former Chief Minister Harish Rawat expressed concerns about the investigation's impartiality, noting that basing it on an FIR filed by a person "patronised by the government" could lead to the protection of influential individuals.
Broader Issues of Women's Safety
Speakers at the event also addressed broader issues of women's safety in Uttarakhand, citing recent cases of sexual violence and demanding stronger accountability mechanisms to protect women in the state.
The mahapanchayat represents a significant mobilization of civil society and political opposition, underscoring ongoing tensions and the quest for transparency in a case that has captured public attention for over a year.
