Rahul Gandhi urges President to reconsider Dushyant Gautam’s appointment as Governor over pending CBI probe

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi joins the family of Ankita Bhandari during a sit-in protest at India Gate against BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor over his alleged involvement in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case, in New Delhi on October 14, 2026. | Photo Credit: ANI

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday (October 15, 2026) wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to ask the Centre to reconsider Dushyant Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor until the ongoing Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the alleged ‘VIP’ angle in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder in Uttarakhand is completed.

Ankita, a receptionist at a resort in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district, was murdered by Pulkit Arya, son of a BJP leader, and his two aides. The case drew widespread attention amid allegations that she was killed after refusing to provide “special services” to a ‘VIP’ . Her parents have alleged that Mr. Gautam was the ‘VIP’.

Mr. Gandhi said the appointment raised concerns because Article 361 of the Constitution provides immunity to the President and Governors from criminal proceedings while they hold office. He argued that the appointment could complicate efforts to establish accountability in the case.