The Ankita Bhandari murder case has erupted back into the political spotlight of Uttarakhand, ensnaring a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in a fresh wave of serious allegations. The controversy was reignited after an audio clip was released, purportedly implicating BJP national general secretary and state in-charge Dushyant Gautam.
Audio Clip Alleges VIP Involvement, Triggers Political Firestorm
The core of the new allegations stems from a claim made by Urmila Sanawar, the wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore. Sanawar asserted that the VIP who had demanded sexual favours from the 19-year-old resort receptionist Ankita Bhandari was a senior leader nicknamed "Gattu". She released an audio recording in which Rathore is allegedly heard identifying the VIPs as Dushyant Gautam and another senior party figure.
This development has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape. However, Suresh Rathore later countered, claiming the audio clip was fabricated using artificial intelligence (AI) and accused Sanawar of deliberately defaming the party. Following the allegations, both Sanawar and Rathore were booked in two separate FIRs in Dehradun and Haridwar under sections of the IT Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of criminal intimidation and common intention.
Dushyant Gautam's Vehement Denial and Demand for Probe
Facing direct accusations, Dushyant Gautam issued a strong denial on Friday. In a video statement posted on Facebook, the BJP leader categorically refuted any involvement, stating that honesty and integrity have been the hallmarks of his 27-year-long social and political life. He expressed deep sorrow over what he termed a conspiracy to tarnish his reputation.
"There has never been an incident questioning my respect for women and conduct in the party," Gautam asserted. He revealed that he has written to the Home Secretary, urging an investigation into the origin of the video and the identity of its creator. Issuing a stern challenge, Gautam declared, "If there is evidence for every word raised against me, I will resign from social and political life." He condemned the repeated use of Ankita Bhandari's name in such allegations as a humiliation for all daughters and mothers.
Divided Reactions Within BJP and Congress's Attack
The allegations have exposed fissures within the state BJP, with leaders offering contrasting views. Former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Trivendra Singh Rawat adopted a firm stance, stating that no one should be spared if the allegations are proven true, even if the accused is someone close to him. "No matter how powerful the accused is, they should not be forgiven," Rawat emphasized.
In contrast, BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt launched a counter-offensive against the Congress, accusing the opposition party of insulting the victim's memory. He pointed out that the main culprits are already serving life sentences and questioned the timing and motive behind the new allegations. Bhatt accused Congress leaders of crossing all limits of decency.
The Congress party has seized the opportunity to target the BJP government. State Congress president Ganesh Godiyal has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. Senior Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana questioned the BJP's silence and called for the national leadership to clarify what action it intends to take regarding Gautam's alleged role. Congress leaders have also reiterated their long-standing accusation that the Dhami government bulldozed the Vanantara resort in 2022, potentially destroying evidence, to shield influential individuals.
It is notable that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has not yet commented publicly on this latest development. The case dates back to September 2022, when Ankita Bhandari's body was recovered from a canal in Rishikesh. She was allegedly murdered by Pulkit Arya, the resort manager and son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, for refusing to provide sexual favours to a VIP client. Vinod Arya was expelled from the BJP following the incident. In May of this year, a Kotdwar court convicted and sentenced three accused, including Pulkit Arya, to life imprisonment based on the statements of 47 witnesses and crucial WhatsApp chats.
