Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 24 Dec: The Congress is leading massive protests over a social media post over the alleged identity of the ‘VIP’ in the Ankita Bhandari murder case across the state with an intention to intensify public outrage. The Congress party has launched a statewide offensive, demanding a CBI probe and the disclosure of the VIP’s name, holding demonstrations and burning effigies to register their protest across various locations.
In Karnaprayag, Congress workers took out a procession and burnt an effigy of a former MP in the main market. Former District President Mukesh Negi stated that given the manner in which a VIP is being mentioned in the video, the government must hand over the entire case to the CBI and ensure the accused receive the harshest possible punishment immediately.
Similarly, in Rudraprayag, Congress activists held a massive protest in the main market against the government and burnt an effigy. During the protest, workers raised slogans against the government. Here the party workers alleged that the administration is attempting to shield the criminals. The party demanded the arrest of a former MP in connection with the murder and emphasised the need for an impartial investigation. Activists asserted that the VIP involved in the case should be awarded the death penalty.
Former State Spokesperson Suraj Negi remarked that Ankita was a daughter of the mountains who was brutally murdered.
In Srinagar’s Gola Park, Congress workers burnt an effigy of a BJP leader. Raising slogans against the government, they termed the Ankita Bhandari murder a planned criminal conspiracy. They stated it was shameful that the face of a national leader is now emerging as the mentioned VIP.
The high-profile murder case has returned to the limelight following a social media post allegedly by the second wife of former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, which has triggered political turmoil. The post reportedly named an individual called ‘Gattu’, who is being identified as the suspected VIP in the case.
Following the video, Congress and other social organisations have taken to the streets. The Mahila Congress in Nainital burnt an effigy of the BJP government at Buddha Park in Haldwani, demanding that the killers be given stringent punishment. State Vice President Jaya Karnataka accused the government of protecting the accused, noting that BJP workers themselves are naming the VIP on social media. She demanded a CBI inquiry and strict action against the guilty.
In Mussoorie, Congress workers gathered at Jhula Ghar Chowk on Wednesday for a massive demonstration. Protesters burnt an effigy of the BJP government and demanded justice for Ankita Bhandari. Senior leader Jot Singh Gunsola, City President Amit Gupta, and leader Upendra Thapli questioned why the government was not disclosing the name of the leader involved. Leaders warned of a fierce statewide movement from 5 January if a CBI probe is not initiated and the leader’s name is not made public.
In Ramnagar, Nainital, activists burnt an effigy on Ranikhet Road, reiterating demands for a CBI investigation and the death penalty for the culprits. They alleged that daughters are not safe under the current regime and that the government is shielding people associated with the party whose roles have been exposed.
