By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 30 Jan: The Ankita Bhandari murder case continues to evoke strong public sentiment across Uttarakhand, with calls for accountability and transparency remaining at the centre of public discourse. On the other hand, it is also being alleged that the issue is being used as a political tool by the Opposition and some other forces to target Pushkar Singh Dhami led BJP Government, despite the fact that the main accused stand convicted and sentenced in the case and despite the fact that the government has also ordered a CBI inquiry into the case on the request of Ankita Bhandari’s parents.
A ‘Mahapanchayat’ titled ‘Who is the VIP?’ has been proposed at the Parade Ground in Dehradun on 8 February, amid claims by the organisers that public participation in the movement is steadily increasing. In a significant development, renowned folk singer Narendra Singh Negi has also extended his support to the proposed gathering and appealed to people across the state to participate in large numbers, describing the initiative as a collective effort to seek justice.
The Mahapanchayat is being organised by the Ankita Nyay Yatra Sanyukt Sangharsh Manch, which has been mobilising support across Uttarakhand in the wake of the case. Expressing his views on the issue, Narendra Singh Negi has stated that the demand for justice in the Ankita Bhandari case goes beyond an individual incident and relates to the social conscience of the state. He said that ensuring justice is essential for maintaining a sense of security and dignity, particularly for women in the hills and urged citizens to raise their voices in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Calling for wider public participation, Negi observed that silence in the face of injustice could have long-term consequences and stressed the importance of collective expression. He encouraged people from all sections of society to attend the Mahapanchayat at the Parade Ground and register their concerns in a lawful and orderly way.
Meanwhile, member of the Ankita Nyay Yatra Sanyukt Sangharsh Manch, Mohit Dimri claimed that the campaign would continue until those responsible for the crime are punished and justice is delivered to the victim’s family. He added that awareness and public outreach programmes are being carried out across various districts to ensure maximum participation in the proposed Mahapanchayat on 8 February.
Dimri also alleged that attempts are being made to portray the movement as politically motivated, which he claimed was aimed at diluting the demand for justice. He questioned such assertions and said that raising concerns over a serious criminal case should not be viewed through a political lens, maintaining that the campaign is focused solely on accountability and fairness.
It may be recalled that the Sangharsh Manch had earlier held a meeting at Shaheed Smarak on 15 January, during which the decision to organise the Mahapanchayat was announced. At that meeting, participants reiterated demands for disclosure of the identity of the ‘VIP’ allegedly linked to the case and for action against all those accused of shielding any individual involved. The organisation has maintained that its efforts will continue until what it describes as complete justice is achieved and has expressed confidence that a large number of people from across Uttarakhand will gather in Dehradun for the Mahapanchayat.
