Dehradun:
Arunoday Times
The bail pleas of all three convicts in the Ankita Bhandari murder case have once again been rejected by the court. Reacting to the development, BJP Uttarakhand spokesperson Honey Pathak said the rejection reflects the strength of the prosecution and the government’s continued commitment to ensuring justice for Ankita.
Honey Pathak said the Ankita Bhandari case is not merely a matter of political allegations, but a sensitive fight for justice for a young woman. She said that from the very beginning, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had made it clear that the government would take strict action against the accused and ensure that the case was pursued firmly under the law.
Swift Action After the Incident
According to Pathak, the accused were arrested and sent to jail within 24 hours of the incident. An Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted for a detailed and impartial investigation, while action was also initiated against the accused under the Gangsters Act.
She said the investigation resulted in a detailed chargesheet of around 500 pages, incorporating statements from nearly 100 witnesses and other important pieces of evidence.
Strong Prosecution Led to Conviction
Honey Pathak said the prosecution consistently presented the case before the court and pursued the matter effectively. The strong investigation and prosecution ultimately resulted in the three accused being sentenced to life imprisonment.
She said the latest rejection of their bail pleas further demonstrates that the accused have not been able to secure relief through the judicial process.
Government Stood With Ankita’s Family
Pathak said the state government gave priority to the sentiments and demands of Ankita’s parents throughout the case.
She said government counsels were changed in accordance with the family’s demands. She further stated that after Ankita’s parents sought a CBI investigation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a CBI probe, respecting the family’s demand.
The government also provided ₹25 lakh in financial assistance to the family and provided employment to Ankita’s father and brother, she said.
Honey Pathak Questions Political Claims Over ‘VIP’ Angle
Commenting on repeated political claims surrounding the alleged ‘VIP’ angle, Honey Pathak said that anyone possessing concrete evidence should have submitted it before the investigating agencies or the court.
She alleged that making accusations outside the court for political gains and creating confusion among the public cannot be described as a genuine fight for justice.
“Government’s Record Is Clear”
Honey Pathak said the government’s record in the case includes swift arrests, SIT investigation, a detailed chargesheet, action under the Gangsters Act, effective prosecution, respect for the family’s demands, financial assistance and employment support.
She said the Dhami government has demonstrated its commitment through concrete action rather than merely making assurances.
“Justice for Ankita remains a priority. The government has stood firmly with her family and will continue to ensure that the judicial process is pursued with seriousness and determination,” Pathak said.
