Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s Appointment as Sikkim Governor Draws Political Criticism Over Ankita Bhandari Case

New Delhi | October 15, 2026

The appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor has drawn political criticism, with the family of Ankita Bhandari urging authorities to address questions surrounding the alleged VIP angle in the 2022 murder case before proceeding further.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Ankita’s parents at India Gate on October 14, where the family was reportedly protesting and seeking justice for their daughter.

Family Seeks Presidential Intervention

Ankita’s father, Virendra Singh Bhandari, appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to consider the family’s concerns regarding Gautam’s appointment and the alleged VIP connection. Her mother, Soni Devi, also expressed distress and called for clarity on the investigation.

The family has continued to seek a thorough examination of the alleged VIP angle. Any claims linking specific individuals to the case must be treated as allegations unless established by reliable evidence or judicial findings. The current status and scope of any investigation into this aspect should be confirmed through official records.

Rahul Gandhi Criticises the Appointment

Following his meeting with the family, Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the parents and criticised the appointment, according to reports. Congress leaders also raised questions about the appointment while concerns surrounding the alleged VIP angle remain a subject of public debate.

The issue has renewed political discussion about accountability, women's safety and transparency in investigations involving high-profile criminal cases.

Background to the Ankita Bhandari Case

Ankita Bhandari, 19, worked as a receptionist at the Vanantra resort near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. She was murdered in September 2022. Resort owner Pulkit Arya and two other accused were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, according to court reporting.

Despite the convictions, questions about the alleged VIP angle have continued to feature in public discussion. The family is seeking further clarity on these allegations. The status of any investigation into this aspect should be verified through official statements or reliable reporting before publication.

Questions of Justice and Accountability

The protest at India Gate has brought renewed attention to the family’s continuing demand for answers. Their appeal centres on ensuring that the allegations concerning a possible VIP connection are examined fairly and transparently.

The controversy also highlights the importance of public confidence in investigative institutions and the principle that allegations should be assessed on the basis of evidence, irrespective of an individual’s political position or public standing.

Reported by: Jeby
Designation: District Reporter, Indian Press Union (IPU)

Sources: The Times of India, The Indian Express and The New Indian Express. Specific reports and official records should be checked before publication.