Ankita Bhandari Murder Case: Court Finds Pulkit Arya And Two Others Guilty, Sentencing Awaited
The verdict was pronounced after nearly two years and eight months of courtroom proceedings. The sentencing is yet to be announced, but the three convicts have been found guilty.
Ankita Bhandari Case: In a landmark development that comes nearly two years after the horrific murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari, a local court in Kotdwar has held three men — Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta — guilty of her killing. The judgment was delivered by the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) Court, bringing a major turning point in a case that had drawn nationwide attention due to its disturbing details and political undertones.
The verdict was pronounced after nearly two years and eight months of courtroom proceedings. The sentencing is yet to be announced, but the three convicts have been found guilty under Indian Penal Code Sections 302 (murder), 354 (assault on a woman), and 120B (criminal conspiracy), as confirmed by ANI.
Kotdwar On Edge As Security Tightened, Families Await Justice
The courtroom in Kotdwar turned into a tense fortress as the verdict was expected. A seal was filed two hundred meters from the court, while Kotdwar was converted into a camp, said reports, pointing to the heavy security deployment in anticipation of public outcry.
Ankita's parents, who have been relentlessly seeking justice, were present in the court. Her father made an emotional plea for the harshest punishment. Ankita's father is demanding the hanging of accused Ankit, Saurabh and Pulkit, said one of the reports from the ground.
Eyewitness Ashutosh Negi, who testified during the proceedings, remarked that the way the case is being prosecuted, father Ankit, Saurabh and Pulkit can be sentenced to death.
Although the convicts were not handed the death penalty on Thursday, the final sentencing remains pending and could arrive soon.
How A 2022 Crime Shook Uttarakhand's Political Landscape
Ankita Bhandari was working at a resort near Rishikesh when she was allegedly killed by her employer, Pulkit Arya — son of expelled BJP leader Vinod Arya — and his two associates, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, on the night of September 18, 2022. According to the prosecution, a dispute between Ankita and Pulkit led to her being pushed into the Cheela canal. Her body was recovered days later, and the three accused were promptly arrested.
The case sparked outrage, particularly due to Pulkit’s political lineage. Citizens of Pauri district staged large-scale protests, fearing that justice might be compromised. Bowing to public pressure, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure an impartial probe.
During the prolonged trial, 47 witnesses — including the investigation officer — were presented by public prosecutor Anuj Pundir. Final arguments wrapped up on May 19, and Judge Reena Negi had fixed May 30 for the verdict.
Ankita’s lawyer, Ajay Pant, reflected on the long road to justice. The case took a lot of time but today from 11:00 to 12:00 the historic verdict will be pronounced by the ADJ Court, he had said earlier in the day.
With the court affirming the guilt of the three accused, attention now turns to the sentencing. For the Bhandari family and many across Uttarakhand, true closure may only come when the final punishment is delivered.
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