Former BJP MLA Arrested for Alleged Links to Ankita Bhandari Murder Case

In a significant development in the Ankita Bhandari murder case, former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore was apprehended by Uttarakhand police on allegations of making statements that link a party leader to the tragic incident. The arrest took place on Monday at Rathore’s office in Buggawala, Haridwar, and he was subsequently taken to the Dalanwala police station in Dehradun for formal processing, as confirmed by Superintendent of Police Pramod Kumar.

Ankita Bhandari, a receptionist at a resort in Rishikesh owned by Pulkit Arya, the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, went missing on September 18, 2022. The following day, Pulkit Arya, along with the resort’s manager Saurabh Bhaskar and assistant manager Ankit Gupta, lodged a report declaring her missing. However, the situation took a grim turn when the trio confessed to Bhandari’s murder, stating that they had pushed her into a canal after a dispute. Her body was discovered six days later in the Chilla Canal, leading to widespread outrage and calls for justice.

The case drew considerable media attention, especially following the expulsion of Vinod Arya and his other son Ankit Arya from the BJP after their involvement in the case surfaced. Reports indicated that evidence, including WhatsApp messages from Bhandari to a friend, suggested that the accused were allegedly attempting to coerce her into prostitution. It was further alleged that her murder was linked to her refusal to provide “special services” to a so-called “VIP”.

In the wake of the murder, audio and video clips linked to Rathore emerged, which purportedly contained statements insinuating connections between the incident and certain BJP leaders. This has raised further questions about the party’s internal handling of the case, as well as its implications on political accountability. Rathore’s arrest could potentially lead to new revelations and a deeper investigation into the allegations surrounding the case.

The Ankita Bhandari case has not only sparked discussions regarding women’s safety in India but has also highlighted the complexities surrounding political power and accountability. The public continues to seek justice for Bhandari, with many advocating for stringent measures against such crimes. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how Rathore’s arrest will influence ongoing investigations and the broader political landscape in Uttarakhand.

Source: scroll.in