What Happened to Ankita Bhandari?
On September 18, 2022, Ankita had a confrontation with her employer, Pulkit Arya—the son of a senior BJP leader—and two resort staffers, Saurabh Bhaskar and Ankit Gupta. She was allegedly forced into a car and thrown into the canal. Pulkit later filed a missing report to mislead authorities.

Delayed Police Action & Public Outcry
Due to jurisdiction issues, initial responsibility fell on a patwari (revenue official), delaying critical early investigation steps. Public protests intensified as friends revealed Ankita was pressured to offer sexual services to guests. The resort was later demolished amid public fury.

Pulkit Arya’s Political Links Sparked Backlash
Pulkit’s father, Vinod Arya, a BJP leader, was expelled from the party but defended his son. The case triggered widespread outrage, fueling debates on women’s safety and political privilege in India.

Crucial Evidence and Fast-Track Trial
Audio recordings between Arya and Ankita’s friend, Pushp, along with digital evidence, suggested attempts to cover up the crime. A 500-page charge sheet and testimonies of over 100 witnesses solidified the prosecution’s case.

Final Verdict: Justice for Ankita
On May 30, 2025, Pulkit Arya, Saurabh Bhaskar, and Ankit Gupta were convicted of Ankita Bhandari’s murder. The case, which exposed systemic failures and abuse of power, remains a landmark in the fight for women’s rights and justice in India.