Dehradun: On the night of 18 September 2022, the murder of Ankita Bhandari, who worked at a resort near Rishikesh, shook the whole of Uttarakhand. Three and a quarter years after this heartbreaking incident, the Additional District and Sessions Court of Kotdwar has sentenced all three convicts to life imprisonment. This verdict is not only a big step towards getting justice for Ankita, but is also a proof of the impartial investigation of the police and the strong advocacy of the government.
Fast investigation, strong evidence
In view of the seriousness of the incident, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took immediate action and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on 24 September 2022 under the leadership of female IPS officer P. Renuka Devi. The police arrested all three accused within 24 hours and collected important evidence. After a thorough investigation, the SIT prepared a 500-page charge sheet, which included statements of more than 100 witnesses. Due to the strong advocacy of the prosecution, the court announced the sentence in less than three years. The government took action under the Gangster Act along with murder, due to which the culprits got strict punishment.
Support to the family
Chief Minister Dhami showed sensitivity and gave financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to Ankita’s family. Apart from this, Ankita’s father and brother were given government jobs to provide support to the family. This step shows the sensitivity and responsibility of the government.
Supreme Court considered the investigation correct
The Supreme Court has also considered the government’s investigation in this matter satisfactory. This decision is proof that the government exercised caution and impartiality at every step to get justice for Ankita.
Government’s resolve for justice
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “It was our resolve to get justice for Ankita. We, along with the family, made a strong advocacy, as a result of which the culprits were punished.” The government has made it clear that if needed, strong advocacy will be done in this case in future as well, so that Ankita gets complete justice.
