By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 18 Sep: On the fourth anniversary of the murder of Ankita Bhandari, various social, political and public organisations held tribute meetings, demonstrations and marches at different places in Uttarakhand today, demanding justice for the young woman and raising questions over issues they said were yet to be satisfactorily addressed in the case.
In Dehradun, the Ankita Nyay Yatra Joint Struggle Forum organised a tribute meeting at Gandhi Park, following which a human chain was formed from Gandhi Park to Clock Tower and back. The participants paid tribute to Ankita Bhandari and demanded that the identity and role of the person referred to as the alleged ‘VIP’ in connection with the case be made clear. They also demanded transparency regarding the investigation into various aspects of the case.
The meeting was attended by a large number of people, including women. Kamla Pant spoke about the sequence of events in the Ankita Bhandari case and the campaign for justice over the past four years. Speakers raised questions regarding the alleged VIP angle, the demolition of the Vanantara Resort and the allegedly slow progress of the CBI investigation. They also sought clarity on various issues raised by Ankita’s parents and demanded that the factual position be made public.
Senior vice-president of the Uttarakhand Ex-Servicemen and Paramilitary Joint Organisation Prakash Thapliyal said the people of Uttarakhand have not forgotten Ankita and that her family continues to seek answers on issues connected with the case. He demanded a fair investigation into the allegations relating to the alleged VIP and said that action should be taken according to law if evidence of criminal involvement was found.
Speakers also raised questions regarding the circumstances of Ankita’s cremation and said that several issues surrounding the case should be examined transparently. Nirmala Bisht of the Uttarakhand Mahila Manch also raised questions concerning the case.
Following the meeting, Congress leader Sujata Paul administered a pledge to continue the demand for justice through democratic and peaceful means, while Vimla Kohli led two minutes of silence in memory of Ankita. The programme was conducted by Nirmala Bisht.
A separate demonstration was held outside the CBI office in Dehradun at the call of the Pahaar Swabhiman Sena. The participants paid tribute to Ankita and said that although the three main accused had been convicted by the court and were behind bars, questions being raised about other aspects of the case should also be addressed. Pahaar Swabhiman Sena president Pankaj Uniyal demanded clarity on the alleged VIP angle and the progress of the investigation. Advocate Sandeep Chamoli said that allegations should be examined on the basis of evidence and that action should follow wherever criminal involvement is established. UKD leader Lushun Todaria also demanded an impartial and time-bound investigation.
Congress workers and supporters took out a peaceful march towards the Vanantara Resort, while in Haldwani, various organisations staged a demonstration at Buddha Park. The protesters there also raised the alleged VIP angle, the demolition of the resort and the progress of the CBI investigation. The issue of an alleged threat to advocate Navneesh Negi, who has represented Ankita’s family, was also raised.
It may be reminded here that the protests are being held despite the fact that the three principal accused in Ankita’s murder have already been convicted and are serving their sentences. Nevertheless, the case continues to remain a politically sensitive issue in Uttarakhand, with the Opposition and some organisations continuing to raise the alleged VIP angle and other issues four years after the crime. Thus, while the judicial process has resulted in the conviction of the main perpetrators, the demand for answers on the wider issues surrounding the case continues to be raised on the political and social platforms in the state.
