In a significant development concerning the Ankita murder case, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has clarified the whereabouts of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dushyant Gautam. The CM stated that Gautam was not present in Uttarakhand at the time of the tragic incident.
Defamation Complaint Filed in Dehradun
Prior to the Chief Minister's statement, Dushyant Gautam, who serves as the party's in-charge for Uttarakhand affairs, took legal action. He filed a formal police complaint at the Dalanwala Police Station in Dehradun. The complaint targets former MLA Suresh Rathore and a woman named Urmila Sanawar, who is purportedly Rathore's wife.
The core allegation in the complaint is defamation. Gautam has accused Rathore and Sanawar of making false and damaging statements against him, likely in connection to the Ankita case, aiming to tarnish his reputation.
Timeline and Official Clarification
The events unfolded with the police complaint being registered first. Following this, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the matter publicly on 06 January 2026. His clarification sought to dispel any speculation linking Gautam to the location or circumstances of the killing by firmly establishing his alibi.
Dushyant Gautam's absence from Uttarakhand during the critical period forms the central fact in his defense, as highlighted by the CM. This official statement aims to separate the leader from the ongoing investigation into the crime.
Political Repercussions and Next Steps
This situation highlights the intense political and legal scrutiny surrounding high-profile cases. The filing of a defamation case indicates that Gautam is pursuing a legal route to counter the allegations made against him. It shifts part of the narrative from the criminal investigation to a separate legal battle over reputation.
The case now moves on two parallel tracks: the continued investigation into the Ankita murder and the judicial process for the defamation complaint filed by the BJP state in-charge. The developments underscore how such incidents can quickly lead to legal counteractions between political figures.
