Hundreds of citizens, activists, and opposition members flooded the streets of Dehradun and other parts of Uttarakhand on Sunday, voicing their collective anger and demanding justice for the victim of the 2022 Rishikesh resort murder case. The widespread demonstrations highlighted deep-seated public frustration over the perceived lack of progress and transparency in the high-profile investigation.
Clashes and Core Demands in Dehradun
The protest march in the state capital began at Parade Ground but was halted by police at Hathibarkala. Agitators clashed with security personnel and refused to disperse unless they could meet Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. At the heart of their grievance is the alleged involvement of influential "VIPs" in the case, with protesters demanding swift and decisive action against them.
Kamla Pant, President of the Uttarakhand Mahila Manch, articulated the public's suspicion, stating that from the beginning, there were indications of pressure on the victim to provide "special services" to a VIP. "When she refused, she was murdered. Even after the court convicted the accused, the identity of the VIP remains unresolved. It feels that justice was not served," Pant said.
Questions Over Evidence and Call for CBI Probe
Protesters raised serious questions about the handling of purported audio recordings and messages that have circulated on social media, claiming this evidence was not investigated thoroughly. "The audio clips clearly name people and yet they roam free. The messages also show that a CBI investigation was blocked by senior state ministers to protect these leaders," Pant alleged. She insisted that if the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Uttarakhand police is not impartial, a CBI probe is an absolute necessity.
In a strongly-worded memorandum submitted to CM Dhami, the protesters demanded his resignation, accusing him of prioritizing the protection of his party's leadership over delivering justice for the victim. Mohit Dimri of the Mool Niwas Sangharsh Samiti announced that a statewide bandh (shutdown) has been called for January 11 to intensify pressure for their demands, claiming overwhelming public support for the cause.
Protests Resonate Across Districts and in Delhi
The unrest was not confined to Dehradun. Demonstrators burnt an effigy of a BJP functionary who has been named as the alleged "VIP" in the case, though he has denied all allegations. Similar protests were held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and in several districts across Uttarakhand, including Almora.
In Salt and Dwarahat towns of Almora district, citizens and political workers took to the streets demanding a CBI inquiry and the arrest of the alleged VIPs named online. In Salt, a march was led by senior Congress leader and Congress Working Committee member Karan Mahara, with significant participation from women carrying placards and shouting slogans.
Mahara framed the movement as a moral imperative, calling the Justice Yatra for the victim "the voice of Uttarakhand's conscience." He emphasized that the pain, anger, and unanswered questions continue to echo across the hills. "This is not just about one daughter; it is about justice, constitutional values, and the soul of Uttarakhand," he stated.
In Dwarahat, Congress workers held a rally followed by a public meeting where senior leader Madan Singh Bisht accused the BJP government of shielding the involved individuals despite early calls for a CBI probe. Adding to the political pressure, the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) staged a sit-in at Trimurti Square. Former UKD central president and ex-MLA Pushpesh Tripathi accused the ruling party of failing to ensure public safety, alleging that the government's handling of the case has severely shaken public confidence.
