Demanding justice in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, people under the banner of the Mool Nivas Bhoo Kanoon Sangharsh Samiti staged a protest outside Vanantara Resort in Pauri Garhwal. The protest turned tense as demonstrators attempted to move towards the resort, leading to a confrontation with the police deployed at the site. Protesters demanded capital punishment for all those involved in the case.
Anticipating the demonstration in Ganga Bhogpur Talla, the district administration had deployed heavy police force and installed barricades near the resort area. Despite this, a situation of jostling developed between the agitated crowd and the police as protesters tried to proceed towards Vanantara Resort, resulting in a brief clash.
During the protest, Samiti convener Lushun Todaria had a heated exchange with police personnel. He stated that the agitation would continue until Ankita Bhandari gets justice and asserted that public voices cannot be suppressed through police pressure. He reiterated the demand for the death penalty for the accused.
Founding convener Mohit Dimri said the struggle for justice has entered a decisive phase. He announced that an all-party meeting will be held in Dehradun on December 30, inviting political parties and social organisations to collectively raise the issue.
Addressing the gathering, Himanshu Rawat alleged that the BJP government has been attempting to shield a VIP from the beginning. Former MLA Om Gopal Rawat demanded that the investigation be conducted under the supervision of a Supreme Court judge to ensure transparency and accountability.
