Now Reading: Rahul Gandhi slams BJP over Ankita Bhandari case protection claim
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Rahul Gandhi slams BJP over Ankita Bhandari case protection claim
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the BJP and RSS of protecting an unidentified 'VIP' guest linked to the 2022 murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand. He alleged the…
The Story in Brief
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the BJP and RSS of protecting an unidentified 'VIP' guest linked to the 2022 murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand. He alleged the state government deliberately shielded the person due to his political connections, calling it a "warped mentality" of granting cover to criminals against women. Gandhi did not name the individual or provide evidence.
Bhandari was killed in September 2022 at Vanantara Resort in Pauri Garhwal after resisting demands from a guest. Her body was found in the Chilla canal. The resort owner Pulkit Arya and two others were convicted of murder. Gandhi, who met Bhandari's family, said her room had been demolished before the investigation, calling it suspicious. The BJP has not responded to the allegations.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that one party alone holds a monopoly on protecting criminals against women strains belief. Both national parties have given tickets to candidates with pending cases. The real test here is not Rahul Gandhi's allegation but whether Uttarakhand police will name or charge that unnamed 'VIP' guest. Until that happens, the charge remains a political dart, not a legal fact.
Sources (2): nationalheraldindia.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
