Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party government on Tuesday, alleging that women and daughters face the highest levels of humiliation and insecurity under its rule. His comments came while demanding justice in the Ankita Bhandari murder case from Uttarakhand.
Fresh Outcry Over a Sensational Murder
The case, which has seen renewed public interest, involves the murder of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist, on September 18, 2022. She was employed at a resort owned by a BJP leader in Uttarakhand. The crime allegedly occurred after she refused to provide 'special services' to a guest described as a VVIP.
Recent developments have added new layers to the investigation. A telephone call recording, which has gone viral on social media, has brought the name of a senior political leader into the spotlight, leading to fresh demands for a transparent probe.
Akhilesh Yadav's Allegations and Demands
Addressing the media in Lucknow, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister did not mince words. "Women and young daughters are the worst hit and the most unsafe lot under the BJP government," Akhilesh Yadav stated. He directly questioned the Uttarakhand government's handling of the case from the beginning.
"The BJP government in Uttarakhand has failed to come clean in the Ankita Bhandari murder case since day one. Why is the BJP government trying to shield the culprits?" he asked. Yadav emphasized that the state government has been apprehensive about a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe from the outset, suggesting an intent to hide facts.
Unfulfilled Promises to the Victim's Family
Akhilesh Yadav further criticized the government for failing to honor commitments made to Ankita Bhandari's family in the wake of the tragedy. He pointed out that despite announcements, the authorities have not delivered on two key promises.
The government had pledged to name a nursing college after Ankita and provide a government job to her brother. "Neither of the two promises has been met," Yadav asserted, highlighting what he called the elusive nature of justice for the victim.
The SP chief's remarks underscore the ongoing political tension surrounding the case, which continues to be a flashpoint for discussions on women's safety and accountability of those in power.
