The Ankita Bhandari murder case has once again triggered massive political controversy as the victim's parents sat on a dharna at India Gate in New Delhi, protesting the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim. The demonstration has brought the old controversy surrounding the alleged VIP connection in the case back to the forefront.
Governor Appointment Sparks Outrage
Following President Droupadi Murmu's announcement appointing Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim, opposition parties and the victim's family expressed strong resentment. Ankita's parents, Virender Singh Bhandari and Soni Devi, reached India Gate to demand justice and a thorough probe into the unmasked elements of the 2022 tragedy.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi met the grieving parents at India Gate, assuring them of continued support in their legal and social battle for justice.
The Controversy Surrounding Dushyant Gautam
The controversy dates back to December 2025 when social media posts by Urmila Sanawar, wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, brought forward audio clips allegedly hinting at a VIP linked to the 2022 murder. Social media users linked the name 'Gattu' mentioned in the clips to senior BJP leader Dushyant Gautam. Rathore dismissed the audios as AI-generated and fabricated.
Denying all allegations, Gautam filed a defamation suit in the Delhi High Court in January 2026, seeking damages and an interim injunction against the circulation of defamatory statements linking him to the case. While the court granted interim protection, the wider investigation by the CBI into the VIP angle of the murder case has remained a subject of intense public scrutiny.
'The Freelance' does not independently verify the claims made in viral social media narratives related to this case. The matter is sub judice and under ongoing investigation. Video/Image Courtesy: Respective Social Media Handles / Creators.
National Desk, The Freelance
Verified Editorial DeskPolitics, Governance & Public Interest Reporting Team
The Freelance National Desk provides round-the-clock, verified, and in-depth analytical reporting on Indian politics, governance, policy decisions, parliamentary affairs, and public interest matters. We are committed to unbiased, factual journalism based on verified agencies, official statements, and on-the-ground correspondents.