Rahul Gandhi Writes To President: Halt Dushyant Gautam Appointment Over Ankita Case

In a significant political move, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has formally written to President Droupadi Murmu expressing his deep concerns regarding the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim. The Congress party has been consistently opposing this appointment, linking it to the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case and the ongoing investigation into the alleged involvement of a 'VIP'. Rahul Gandhi's letter comes a day after he met with Ankita's parents at India Gate, where they were protesting to demand justice for their daughter, while he assured them of his unwavering support until justice is served.

Concerns Over VIP Involvement and Investigation

In his letter to President Murmu, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari. He stated, "19-year-old Ankita Bhandari refused to compromise her dignity for a VIP, which led to her murder. " This statement underscores the frustration of the family and the opposition regarding the perceived lack of progress in identifying all individuals involved in the conspiracy.

The Issue of Constitutional Immunity

Rahul Gandhi expressed shock over the decision to appoint Dushyant Gautam to a gubernatorial position while the case is still under scrutiny. He pointed out that many people, including Ankita's family, believe that Dushyant Gautam is connected to the case. The primary concern raised by the Congress leader is that once an individual assumes the office of Governor, they're granted immunity from criminal proceedings. Gandhi argued that this could potentially obstruct the path to justice. He wrote, "I am shocked by his appointment as the new Governor of Sikkim.

Appeal to the President and Criticism of the Government

The letter also contained sharp criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. Rahul Gandhi claimed that by recommending Dushyant Gautam for the governorship, the Prime Minister has demonstrated a lack of concern for women's safety, while he appealed to the President to advise the government to reconsider the appointment and to ensure that Dushyant Gautam doesn't take charge until the investigation is fully completed.

Protests in Dehradun and Detentions at India Gate

The political heat over this issue intensified as Congress leaders and workers staged a massive protest outside Lok Bhavan in Dehradun. The demonstration saw the participation of senior leaders including Uttarakhand Congress President Ganesh Godiyal, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, and State Election Management Committee Chairman Harak Singh Rawat. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi also condemned the detention of Ankita's parents at India Gate. He reported that they were taken into custody by the police at 4 AM while they were peacefully protesting. Although they were later released along with several Congress leaders, Gandhi slammed the government for picking up grieving parents in the middle of the night for simply asking questions.

Background of the Ankita Bhandari Case

The case dates back to September 2022, when 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, who worked as a receptionist at the Vanantra Resort near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, was murdered. The incident sparked nationwide outrage. Subsequently, the resort owner Pulkit Arya and two of his employees were found guilty by the court and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the identity of the 'VIP' guest for whom Ankita was allegedly pressured remains a central point of contention and political debate.