Parents of Ankita Bhandari Released After Detention During India Gate Protest

Parents Detained

The parents of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari were released early on Thursday morning after being detained while protesting near India Gate in New Delhi. The protest took place late Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Several Congress leaders were also held by police during the demonstration and released later at around 5 a.m.

Demands and Allegations

The parents are demanding that Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor be put on hold until an ongoing CBI investigation concludes. Mr. Gautam's name has been linked to the 2022 murder case by the family and activists, who allege he is the unidentified VIP involved. Mr. Gautam has denied these accusations and filed defamation proceedings against the accusers. The Congress party claims the gubernatorial appointment is meant to shield him, noting that a Governor cannot face criminal proceedings while in office.

Background

Ankita Bhandari worked as a receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh and was killed on September 18, 2022. Her body was found in the Chilla canal four days later. Resort owner Pulkit Arya, son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, and two accomplices were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Context

High-profile public demonstrations at India Gate often draw swift police action due to security protocols in the capital. Protests seeking accountability in high-profile criminal cases frequently draw support from opposition political figures.