Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee on Saturday organised a silent sit-in and Satyagraha at the historic Gandhi Park in Dehradun, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari and a transparent investigation into the alleged VIP angle in her murder case. Led by Pradesh Congress Committee president Ganesh Godiyal, the protest also opposed the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim, citing questions raised in connection with the case.
A large number of Congress leaders and party workers participated in the silent protest, calling for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expedite its inquiry into allegations surrounding the possible involvement of a VIP in the case.
Addressing the gathering before the Satyagraha, Godiyal said the Ankita Bhandari murder case was not merely a matter involving the brutal killing of a young woman but also a sensitive issue concerning Uttarakhand’s identity, the dignity of women and public confidence in the state’s law-and-order system.
He said that despite the passage of considerable time, questions surrounding the alleged VIP angle remained unanswered to the satisfaction of the public. Godiyal maintained that the government had a responsibility to ensure an impartial investigation and bring all relevant facts before the people.
Congress Questions Progress of CBI Investigation
Godiyal alleged that the investigation into the alleged VIP connection had failed to make satisfactory progress despite the government’s announcement of a CBI probe. He demanded that the investigating agency examine all relevant allegations, evidence and circumstances in a transparent and impartial manner.
He stressed that any allegations against individuals must be established through a fair investigation and due legal process. At the same time, he said, governments have a moral responsibility to address legitimate public concerns, particularly in cases involving serious allegations and public interest.
The Congress president also questioned the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor, arguing that the decision had raised concerns among sections of the public in Uttarakhand.
Godiyal alleged that the appointment could complicate the prospect of future legal action and called on the Centre to clarify the circumstances surrounding the decision. He demanded that the government reconsider the appointment in light of the questions being raised.
The allegations and concerns expressed by the Congress were presented as part of the party’s political position. Any determination of individual responsibility must depend on the findings of the investigation and the due process of law.
‘Justice for Ankita Is a Matter of Collective Responsibility’
Criticising the BJP’s stated commitment to women’s welfare under the slogan “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”, Godiyal questioned why demands for justice in Ankita Bhandari’s case continued to face what he described as a lack of satisfactory response.
He said Ankita was a daughter of Uttarakhand and that securing justice for her was a collective moral responsibility. He also expressed concern that her family had to continue seeking answers following the killing.
Godiyal reiterated the Congress party’s demand for a high-level, impartial and transparent investigation into the alleged VIP angle. He said that if the investigation established the involvement of any influential individual, appropriate legal action should follow in accordance with the law.
He further emphasised that constitutional offices must uphold the highest standards of transparency, integrity and public accountability. According to him, the Centre should address the questions surrounding Gautam’s appointment to ensure that doubts among the people do not persist.
Congress Pledges Continued Democratic Protest
Describing the silent sit-in as more than a political demonstration, Godiyal said the programme represented a commitment to justice for Ankita and the dignity and safety of women in Uttarakhand.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth and non-violence, he said the Congress would continue to raise the issue through peaceful and democratic means. He maintained that no individual should be considered above the law, regardless of political influence or public office.
Godiyal said the party would continue its campaign from the streets to the legislative Assembly until the questions surrounding the case received satisfactory answers and the alleged VIP angle was investigated impartially.
The Congress also urged the state and central governments to ensure a fair investigation and reconsider Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor.
Senior Congress Leaders Attend Satyagraha
Several senior Congress leaders, office-bearers and party workers attended the programme at Gandhi Park.
Those present included Pradesh Congress Committee organisational general secretary Rajendra Bhandari; state vice-president and media chairman Rajeev Mehrishi; Lal Chand Sharma; former national spokesperson Alok Sharma; Ashwini Bahuguna; Rajendra Shah; Surendra Rangad; treasurer Godawari Thapli; Sujata Paul; Jayendra Ramola; Naveen Joshi; Yakub Siddiqui; Neeraj Tyagi; and social media chairman Abhinav Thapar.
Other participants included state secretaries Amendra Bisht and Yashpal Chauhan, spokespersons Dr Pratima Singh and Garima Dasauni, Sonia Anand, Dehradun city president Jaswinder Singh Gogi, district president Sanjay Kishore, former municipal chairperson Anuj Gupta, and numerous other party office-bearers and workers.
The participants collectively pledged to continue their peaceful democratic struggle for justice for Ankita Bhandari and for a transparent investigation into the questions surrounding her murder case.
The protest concluded with the Congress reiterating its demand that the authorities address the public concerns surrounding the case and ensure that justice is pursued through a fair and accountable legal process.
