Justice delayed is justice denied—that’s the rallying cry from Harish Rawat as he demands Supreme Court judicial oversight for the Ankita Bhandari murder investigation. The Congress stalwart believes only the nation’s highest judiciary can cut through the web of delays and doubts surrounding the 2022 case.
Ankita Bhandari’s lifeless body was found in the Chilla canal, weeks after she disappeared from her job at a Rishikesh resort. The prime accused, resort owner Pulkit Arya—linked to BJP ex-MLA Vinod Arya—and two aides admitted to the crime. But what began as a straightforward confession has morphed into a labyrinth of legal hurdles.
Rawat, addressing a public meeting, painted a grim picture: missing CCTV tapes, coerced witness statements, and sluggish prosecution. ‘Hand this to a Supreme Court judge for monitoring. Let transparency prevail,’ he urged, positioning it as a test for Uttarakhand’s BJP regime.
Public outrage peaked with massive protests, forcing the Uttarakhand government to form an SIT under IG P. Renuka Devi. The High Court later reprimanded the team for inaction, ordering a reinvestigation. Still, Rawat argues these steps fall short without apex court involvement.
This isn’t Rawat’s first salvo; he’s long criticized the handling, linking it to broader issues of women’s safety in tourist hubs. As the case heads to trial, his call amplifies voices from Ankita’s family, who seek closure. In a state where politics and power intertwine, Rawat’s proposal could redefine how Uttarakhand tackles sensational crimes, ensuring no one is above the law.