Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met Ankita Bhandari’s protesting parents at India Gate here on Wednesday, as the family urged President Droupadi Murmu to keep Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor on hold until the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) completes its inquiry into the 2022 murder case.
Soni Devi said the announcement of the appointment on October 12 had caused the family fresh distress. Under Article 361 of the Constitution, no criminal proceedings can be instituted or continued against a serving Governor in any court during their term of office.
The family’s demand has renewed attention on its allegation that an unidentified “VIP” was connected to the events leading to Ankita Bhandari’s murder. The allegation has not been proved in court, and Gautam has denied any involvement. She also appealed to the President Murmu to intervene. The family has requested a meeting with President Murmu and warned that they may begin a hunger strike outside the Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s Office in Dehradun if its request is not addressed. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined the parents at the protest. A court also cannot issue an arrest or imprisonment order against a serving Governor.
He said Gautam should not assume office before the CBI completes its investigation, according to ANI. At the protest in Delhi, Virendra Bhandari appealed to President Murmu to reconsider Gautam’s appointment.
