Steps Taken to Expedite Justice in Ankita Bhandari Murder Case, Says ADG

Dehradun, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Dr. V. Murugesan, the Additional Director General of Police for Crime and Law and Order in Uttarakhand, provided updates on the Ankita Bhandari murder investigation during a press conference in Dehradun. He emphasized that the state government has implemented necessary measures to accelerate judicial proceedings and ensure effective prosecution.

Bhandari, who worked at the Vanantara Resort near Rishikesh, was the victim of a tragic incident that prompted swift action from the Uttarakhand police. Within 24 hours of the incident, police teams coordinated effectively to arrest all three suspects involved.

In light of the case’s seriousness, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). A female IPS officer of DIG rank was appointed as the head of the SIT to ensure a thorough and effective investigation.

Dr. Murugesan noted that the SIT meticulously gathered digital, technical, forensic, and physical evidence. The team conducted extensive interrogations of the accused, analyzed forensic reports, and reviewed witness statements. Within 88 days, the SIT completed its investigation and submitted a detailed charge sheet of nearly 500 pages to the court.

He further mentioned that the Uttarakhand government has taken essential steps to expedite judicial proceedings and ensure effective prosecution. Based on the solid evidence collected by the SIT and the compelling arguments presented by the prosecution, the Additional District and Sessions Court in Kotdwar convicted the three defendants—Pulkit Arya, Saurabh, and Ankit Gupta—on May 30, 2025. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and are currently serving their sentences.