A massive mahapanchayat is being held at Parade Ground in Dehradun, demanding justice for Ankita Bhandari, whose murder in 2022 shocked Uttarakhand and the entire country. Organized primarily by the “Save Uttarakhand” group and supported by opposition parties including Congress and left-wing organizations, the gathering highlights public outrage over delays and perceived lapses in the investigation. Authorities have not granted permission for the event, prompting tight security arrangements across the city. Attendees are demanding that the VIP allegedly linked to the case be publicly named, while insisting the investigation continue under judicial supervision. The Bhandari case, which saw three accused sentenced to life imprisonment in May 2025, gained renewed attention in December 2025 after an audio clip claimed high-profile interference, prompting a CBI probe recommended by the state government. Demonstrators emphasize that the investigation should focus solely on the FIR filed by Ankita’s parents and be conducted transparently under Supreme Court oversight. Organizers and protesters also question why prior evidence, such as the resort bulldozing, may have compromised the case. While large crowds have gathered, political leaders’ presence is limited, reflecting administrative restrictions. The mahapanchayat underscores continued public pressure for accountability, transparency, and justice for Ankita.


