Uttarakhand resort owner and two others found guilty in the high-profile murder case of receptionist Ankita Bhandari, bringing justice after a long legal battle.

On May 30, 2025, a sessions court in Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, sentenced Pulkit Arya, the son of a former BJP minister, and his two associates, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta, to life imprisonment for the 2022 murder of 19-year-old receptionist Ankita Bhandari. The court found them guilty under Indian Penal Code Sections 302 (murder), 354

The Crime and Investigation

Ankita Bhandari, a resident of Dobh-Srikot in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, had joined the Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh as a receptionist on August 28, 2022. On September 18, she was reported missing. Her body was recovered from the Chilla canal on September 24. The autopsy confirmed death by drowning and revealed injuries on her body.

The investigation revealed that Ankita was allegedly pressured by Pulkit Arya to provide “special services” to resort guests, a euphemism for prostitution. Upon her refusal, she was assaulted and pushed into the canal by Arya and his associates. The case drew widespread attention due to the political connections of the accused and led to public outcry across Uttarakhand.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The prosecution presented a 500-page chargesheet and examined 47 witnesses during the trial. The court’s verdict marks the culmination of over two years of judicial proceedings and represents a significant development in delivering justice for the victim.

Government Response and Reforms

In response to the public outrage, the Uttarakhand government announced several measures. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami provided ₹25 lakh as financial assistance to Ankita’s family and assured that the case would be heard in a fast-track court. Additionally, the government decided to create a ‘rule manual’ to ensure the safety of women working in hotels and resorts, including maintaining detailed records of female employees and implementing strict norms for their safety.

Ankita Bhandari’s murder sparked widespread protests and discussions about women’s safety in Uttarakhand. The case highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by women in the hospitality industry and the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect them. The involvement of politically connected individuals in the crime further intensified public anger and demands for justice.

The court’s verdict and the government’s subsequent actions are seen as steps towards addressing these concerns and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. However, activists and the public continue to call for more comprehensive reforms and accountability to safeguard women’s rights and safety in the state.

Uttarakhand Court Sentences Resort Owner and Associates to Life Imprisonment in Ankita Bhandari Murder Case