In a significant development, a sessions court in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, has convicted Pulkit Arya, son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, along with his associates Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, for the murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. The verdict was delivered on May 30, 2025, by Additional District and Sessions Judge Reena Negi.
Background of the Case
Ankita Bhandari was employed as a receptionist at the Vanantara Resort in Yamkeshwar, which was owned by Pulkit Arya. On September 18, 2022, she went missing, prompting her family to file a complaint. Investigations revealed that Ankita had been pressured to provide “extra services” to a VIP guest, which she refused.
According to the chargesheet, Pulkit Arya, along with Bhaskar and Gupta, confronted Ankita over the issue. During the altercation, they pushed her into the Chilla canal, leading to her death. Her body was recovered on September 24, 2022.
Legal Proceedings
The court found the trio guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
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Section 302 (Murder)
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Section 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty)
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Section 120B (Criminal conspiracy)
The prosecution submitted a detailed 500-page chargesheet and examined 47 witnesses throughout the trial. The sentencing is expected soon, with Ankita’s family demanding the death penalty for the convicts.
Political and Social Repercussions
The case attracted significant public attention due to Pulkit Arya’s political connections. His father, Vinod Arya, was a BJP leader and former chairman of the Uttarakhand Mati Kala Board. Following Pulkit’s arrest, both Vinod Arya and his other son, Ankit Arya, were expelled from the BJP.
In response to public outrage, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered the demolition of the Vanantara Resort. The state government also initiated a review of all hospitality establishments to ensure they complied with regulations.
Public Reaction and Protests
Ankita’s murder sparked widespread protests across Uttarakhand. Locals expressed their anger by setting parts of the resort on fire and staging demonstrations demanding justice for Ankita. The incident led to renewed discussions on women’s safety, exploitation in the hospitality sector, and the misuse of political power.
