Who Was Ankita Bhandari? Parents Released After Delhi Protest Detention; Case Details, Reason For Protest And Key Demands

The parents of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist killed in Uttarakhand in September 2022, were let out early on Thursday, October 15, 2026, just hours after being arrested by Delhi Police while leading an overnight demonstration against India Gate. The family was protesting the appointment of the former BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim, and seeking to get the appointment stayed pending the completion of the ongoing CBI investigation regarding the alleged “VIP angle” of the case.

Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had taken part in the demonstration, meeting with Ankita’s parents at India Gate the previous day. After their release, Ankita’s father, Virendra Singh Bhandari, gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the Government to accept the demands of his family, or face nationwide protests.

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Ankita Bhandari Case: What Happened In Delhi?

As per reports filed on October 15, the Delhi Police arrested Ankita’s parents and some Congress leaders around 4 am when they participated in the protest during the night. Her parents were released around 5 am, as per reports citing sources. Some of the Congress leaders include Pawan Khera, Supriya Shrinate, and Uday Bhanu Chib who are the Chief of Indian Youth Congress. 

The main reason behind this demonstration was the demand of the family for stopping the appointment of Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim till the CBI conducts its inquiry regarding allegations of the case. The family raised doubts about the involvement of some VIP in the case and has demanded further inquiry into the matter.

Who Was Ankita Bhandari?

Ankita Bhandari was a young lady, aged 19 years, from Uttarakhand, working as a receptionist at Vanantra Resort located near Rishikesh in Pauri Garhwal district. Ankita went missing in September 2022, and her body was found in the Chilla Canal on September 24, six days after her disappearance. Her death caused a public outcry and calls for an inquiry.