Ankita Bhandari's Parents Detained at India Gate Over Sikkim Governor Pickਅੰਕਿਤਾ ਭੰਡਾਰੀ ਦੇ ਮਾਪੇ ਇੰਡੀਆ ਗੇਟ ’ਤੇ ਹਿਰਾਸਤ ਵਿੱਚ, ਸਿੱਕਮ ਦੇ ਰਾਜਪਾਲ ਦੀ ਨਿਯੁਕਤੀ ਦਾ ਵਿਰੋਧ

Delhi Police detained the parents of murdered Uttarakhand receptionist Ankita Bhandari and several Opposition leaders at India Gate around 4 am on Thursday, October 15, 2026, ending a sit-in against the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Governor of Sikkim, according to The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express and NDTV. The parents were released early the same morning.

Why were Ankita Bhandari's parents protesting?

Ankita Bhandari, 19, was a resort receptionist in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district who was murdered in September 2022. Her parents, Virendra Singh Bhandari and Soni Devi, allege that a "VIP" guest was linked to the case, and say Gautam was that person. The Hindu notes that Gautam has denied the allegation. The family wants his appointment put on hold until the CBI completes its probe into the alleged VIP angle. Gautam was named Governor of Sikkim on Monday, October 12.

What happened at India Gate?

The parents began a sit-in near India Gate on Wednesday, October 14. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined them that evening, along with Pawan Khera and other party leaders. Delhi Police detained the parents and Opposition leaders at about 4 am. Reports say they were released around 5 am.

What did the family and Congress say?

Before being taken away, Ankita's father gave the Centre a 24-hour ultimatum to cancel Gautam's appointment and warned of nationwide protests otherwise. Her mother said she would go on a hunger strike. Congress leaders called the early-morning action an attack on democratic freedoms. Khera said democracy was "ending at 4 am" at India Gate.

What did Rahul Gandhi do next?

On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of trying to "silence" the family. He also wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, urging that Gautam's appointment be reconsidered or put on hold until the CBI probe is complete. Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal had earlier announced a one-hour silent fast in Dehradun over the appointment.

What happens next?

The 24-hour ultimatum has run its course and the family has warned of nationwide protests. The Centre had not changed the appointment in the reports reviewed. Governors are appointed by the President on the advice of the Union government.

Who is Dushyant Kumar Gautam?

He is a BJP leader and former MP who was Uttarakhand BJP in-charge, named Governor of Sikkim on October 12, 2026. He has denied the allegations made by Ankita's family.

What is the Ankita Bhandari case?

Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old resort receptionist, was murdered in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district in September 2022. Her parents allege she was killed after refusing to provide "special services" to a VIP guest, and a CBI probe into the alleged VIP angle is under way.

What is the family demanding now?

They want Gautam's appointment as Sikkim Governor cancelled, or at least put on hold until the CBI probe is completed.