Tears and assurances defined Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami’s poignant encounter with the parents of slain receptionist Ankita Bhandari in Dehradun. This personal touch amid the protracted murder trial highlights leadership in crisis.
The nightmare began in September 2022 when Ankita went missing from a Rishikesh resort owned by a politically connected family. Recovered body evidence led to arrests of Pulkit Arya and others, but the case spiraled with claims of influence peddling and witness intimidation.
In the closed-door meeting, Dhami heard raw accounts of the family’s ordeal—financial ruin, social isolation, endless court runs. He responded with empathy: ‘Ankita was Uttarakhand’s daughter; her justice is our priority.’ Updates on the fast-track proceedings included strategies against flip-flopping testimonies.
Advocating for deeper probes, the parents urged transparency. Dhami countered with action plans: expanded surveillance in tourist spots, empowerment programs for young women, and a memorial fund in Ankita’s name.
Nationwide vigils and BJP-internal scrutiny had previously spotlighted the case. Dhami’s visit repositions the narrative toward healing and reform, distancing from past lapses.
As Uttarakhand balances tourism boom with safety, Ankita’s legacy endures. This meeting isn’t mere optics—it’s a catalyst for systemic overhaul, ensuring no family endures such torment again.