Guwahati: The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) on Friday held candlelight vigils at four locations across Sikkim, demanding that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) complete its probe into the murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari before Governor-designate Dushyant Kumar Gautam assumes office.
The vigils were held at the party headquarters in Gangtok and its offices in Namchi, Gyalshing and Jorethang. According to the SDF, 108 candles were lit at each location in memory of Bhandari and in solidarity with her family.
In a statement, the party called for a fair and impartial investigation into the questions raised by Bhandari’s family. It reiterated that the probe should be completed before Gautam takes charge as Governor of Sikkim.
Gautam’s appointment has drawn objections from opposition parties, which have raised allegations linking the senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to the alleged VIP angle in Bhandari’s murder. Gautam has denied the allegations and initiated defamation proceedings against those making the claims.
Komal Chamling, vice-president in charge of the SDF Women’s Front, had earlier described Gautam’s appointment while the investigation remained pending as an “insult to the people of Sikkim”.
The SDF has also raised concerns over the constitutional immunity available to Governors under Article 361, arguing that the investigation must address all outstanding questions and that anyone found responsible should be held accountable under the law.
Bhandari worked as a receptionist at Vanantra Resort in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, where she was killed on September 18, 2022. Resort owner Pulkit Arya, son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, and two accomplices were convicted in the case and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The case attracted widespread attention over allegations that an unidentified VIP was linked to the crime. Bhandari’s family and activists have sought a probe into this alleged angle, with Gautam’s name subsequently being raised in connection with the claims.
Separately, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing concern that the constitutional immunity available to a Governor could affect the scope of criminal proceedings while the individual holds office. He argued that Gautam’s appointment could place him beyond the reach of the CBI during the ongoing investigation.
The SDF said Bhandari’s family deserved answers and called for the CBI investigation to address the outstanding questions surrounding the case.