BJP pays tribute to Ankita, reiterates commitment to justice
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 18 Sep: BJP today paid tribute to late Ankita Bhandari on her fourth death anniversary and also reaffirmed its ‘uncompromising’ stance against crimes targeting women. In a statement issued today, BJP’s newly appointed spokesperson Anukriti Gusain stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the judicial process ensured that Ankita’s killers are serving life imprisonment. She emphasised that despite the conviction of the murderers, the government also honoured the family’s demand for a CBI probe and extended all possible assistance. She however cautioned that the Congress and other parties are indulging in vulture politics that dishonours the departed soul.
Gusain asserted that the Dhami-led government has stood firmly to secure justice for Ankita and that it ensured the harshest punishment for the culprits. The life sentence awarded to the convicts in the Ankita Bhandari murder case stands as proof of the government’s resolve. From the very first day until the final verdict, the administration pursued the matter with seriousness and strength. Within 24 hours of the crime, the accused were jailed, and an SIT was constituted for impartial investigation. Proceedings under the Gangster Act were also initiated. A detailed chargesheet of nearly 500 pages, including statements of about 100 witnesses and crucial evidence, was filed. She added that the persistent prosecution led to repeated rejection of bail pleas, keeping the accused behind bars throughout the trial. Ultimately, strong investigation and effective advocacy resulted in life imprisonment for Ankita’s killers.
Gusain added that the government prioritised the sentiments of Ankita’s parents and family throughout the process. In line with their requests, government lawyers were changed thrice. Respecting their demand, the CM also ordered a CBI inquiry. Financial assistance of Rs 25 lakhs was provided to the family, while jobs were given to Ankita’s brother and father, fulfilling the government’s commitment to stand by them. The CM and the party maintained a clear stance from the beginning that no matter how influential the criminal, they would be brought to justice and awarded the harshest punishment. She reminded that the judicial scrutiny also found the investigation satisfactory, and the prosecution’s strength ensured conviction.
Countering the opposition’s allegations, Gusain said that Congress and others are attempting to mislead the public under the guise of the so-called ‘VIP’ narrative. If anyone has concrete evidence, it should have been presented before the investigating agencies or the court. Making false accusations outside the court and misleading the people amounts to disgraceful politics over a highly sensitive matter concerning the daughter of Devbhoomi, she claimed.
She reiterated that the people of Uttarakhand have witnessed the government’s clear commitment from day one to secure justice for Ankita. The fight did not remain limited to assurances only but translated into strict action, strong prosecution, and decisive results. The opposition, however, has consistently resorted to vulture politics for short-term gains even on sensitive issues. For the BJP, this matter is not political, and the party is confident that the people will give a fitting democratic response to those indulging in negative politics.
It may be reminded here that Anukriti Gusain is a former beauty pageant winner and daughter in law of senior Congress leader Harak Singh Rawat and has chosen to pursue a political career independent of the influence of her father in law.
