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

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.

“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.

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.

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.