Uttarakhand Government Accelerates Judicial Process in Ankita Bhandari Murder

Dehradun, 15 October – Dr. V. Murugesan, the Additional Director General of Police (Crime & Law & Order), disclosed the initiatives undertaken by the Uttarakhand administration to fast‑track the trial of the Ankita Bhandari murder case.

Following the fatal incident at Vanantara resort, police forces acted quickly, arresting the three suspects within a single day. In response to the case’s sensitivity, a Special Investigation Team was assembled, led by a senior female IPS officer of DIG rank, as directed by the Chief Minister.

The team employed advanced digital forensics, collected physical evidence, and conducted extensive interrogations. Their efforts produced a comprehensive 500‑page charge sheet in just 88 days, which was presented before the Additional District and Sessions Court, Kotdwar. On 30 May 2025, the court found Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta guilty and sentenced each to life imprisonment. All three are currently serving their sentences.

According to the ADG, the prompt police action, meticulous evidence handling, and the state's commitment to swift justice were pivotal in achieving a rapid and decisive outcome.