Ankita Bhandari murder case: Uttarakhand court sentences ex-BJP minister's son, 2 others to life imprisonment

A court in Uttarakhand on Friday sentenced three men to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at a resort in the state’s Pauri district.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Reena Negi pronounced the sentence against resort owner Pulkit Arya and his two employees, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta. All three were found guilty of murdering Bhandari and disposing of her body in the Cheela canal near Rishikesh.

According to the prosecution, Bhandari and Arya had a dispute on the night of September 18, 2022, after which the three accused pushed her into the canal. Her body was recovered six days later.


Pulkit Arya is the son of Vinod Arya, a former BJP leader who was expelled from the party after the incident came to light.

Also read: "May the criminals be sentenced to death," says Ankita Bhandari's mother ahead of court verdict

The case garnered widespread attention due to the political connections of the main accused and led to public outcry across Uttarakhand. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed, which filed a 500-page chargesheet. During the trial, 47 witnesses were examined.

Ankita's mother, Soni Devi, expressed her anguish and demanded the death penalty for the convicts. "May the criminals be sentenced to death," she said, urging the public to support the family in their quest for justice.

The sentencing comes as the victim's family continues to evoke strong reactions and so does the public, underscoring broader concerns regarding justice and safety.

The courtroom in Kotdwar witnessed heightened security during the verdict announcement, reflecting the case's sensitivity and public interest.

(With inputs from ToI)