The Additional District and Sessions Court in Kotdwar is scheduled to pronounce its verdict today in the high-profile Ankita Bhandari murder case, which has captured national attention since September 2022.
Tight security measures have been put in place around the court complex in Pauri Garhwal district. The area now resembles a cantonment, with heavy police deployment to maintain law and order.
Pauri Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Lokeshwar Singh said that police personnel from within the district and neighbouring areas have been deployed. A 100-meter radius around the court has been declared a zero zone, restricting access.
“Police arrangements have been made, with forces deployed from the district and other districts. The 100-meter periphery of the court premises has been designated a zero zone, restricting entry to only government employees and individuals appearing in court. Any unknown person would be barred from the court entry,” he said.
The case involves Pulkit Arya, the son of a BJP leader and owner of Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh. Ankita Bhandari, who worked as a receptionist at the resort, was allegedly murdered by Arya and his associates, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta.
According to reports, the crime occurred on September 18, 2022. Ankita’s body was found six days later in the Chilla canal in Rishikesh, on September 24. Her disappearance and subsequent murder sparked widespread outrage and protests.
The case was initially investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police P Renuka Devi. The incident led to a major public outcry, especially due to the alleged involvement of influential individuals.
The court’s verdict, expected today, is highly anticipated by the public and is seen as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Ankita Bhandari.