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

Rahul Gandhi referred to the Ankita Bhandari murder case and 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

Rahul Gandhi urges President to reconsider Dushyant Gautam's appointment as Governor over pending CBI probe left 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. ANI ANI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/u7bg50/article71589490.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/20261014540L.jpg ANI New Delhi, Oct 14 (ANI): Lok Sabha LoP 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 Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

Rahul Gandhi referred to the Ankita Bhandari murder case and 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

NEW DELHI

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.

Ankita Bhandari murder: Uttarakhand Congress protests outside Governor's house, many leaders detained Ankita Bhandari murder: Uttarakhand Congress protests outside Governor's house, many leaders detained The Uttarakhand Congress began its protests a day after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on October 14 met Ankita's parents, who were protesting at India Gate demanding justice for their daughter, and expressed solidarity with them Ankita Bhandari murder: Uttarakhand Congress protests outside Governor's house, many leaders detained storyline 1

"I know that Governors are appointed on the advice of the Council of Ministers, led by the Prime Minister. PM Modi has proved his utter disregard for women's safety by advising Mr. Gautam's appointment. However, by long convention, the President has the right to warn the government, and Article 74(1) gives you the power to ask for advice to be reconsidered. That is why I write to you, as a last resort," Mr. Gandhi wrote.

He highlighted the struggle of Ankita's parents for justice, noting that they had been protesting against the appointment. Mr. Gandhi wrote the letter hours after Delhi Police removed Ankita's parents from their sit-in at India Gate, citing prohibitory orders.

Police said the protesters were asked to vacate the India Gate premises, a "vital installation", under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Congress leaders alleged that the protesters were manhandled and condemned the police action.

Watch: Ankita murder case: Parents threaten nationwide protests over Gautam's appointment as Governor Watch: Ankita murder case: Parents threaten nationwide protests over Gautam's appointment as Governor Ankita Bhandari's parents have warned of nationwide protests if the Centre does not cancel Dushyant Kumar Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor. Detained during a protest in Delhi, they were released early on October 15. The family wants the appointment put on hold until the CBI probe into the alleged VIP link in the 2022 murder case is completed. Gautam has denied the allegations. Watch: Ankita murder case: Parents threaten nationwide protests over Gautam's appointment as Governor video 1

Despite the convictions in the murder case, Ankita's family and supporters have continued to demand a thorough investigation into the alleged 'VIP' connection.

Mr. Gautam has denied the allegations and filed a defamation case in the Delhi High Court against several individuals, including the Uttarakhand Congress, earlier this year.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the detention of Ankita's parents, describing it as the "pinnacle of the Modi government's cowardice and insensitivity". He questioned the appointment of a BJP leader as Governor while the family continued to seek answers in the case.

"Such treatment of parents who have already lost their daughter is utterly shameful and reprehensible. The Congress Party will continue to fight to ensure justice for daughter Ankita," he said.

What is Ankita Bhandari murder case? Timeline of events and 'VIP' angle explained What is Ankita Bhandari murder case? Timeline of events and 'VIP' angle explained Ankita Bhandari's parents have been demanding that the appointment of Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor be delayed. What is Ankita Bhandari murder case? Timeline of events and 'VIP' angle explained storyline 1

The Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) condemned Mr. Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor, alleging that it could "shield" him from criminal proceedings.

Residents of Pauri Garhwal also took out a protest march, demanding justice for Ankita and reconsideration of Mr. Gautam's appointment.

Amid fresh protests, Uttarakhand ADGP (Crime and Law & Order) V. Murugesan told the media on Thursday (October 15, 2026) that police had arrested all three accused within 24 hours of the murder coming to light. He said a Special Investigation Team, led by a woman IPS officer of DIG rank, completed the investigation in 88 days and filed a 500-page chargesheet.