Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to ask the government to reconsider Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim governor until the CBI completes its investigation into the Ankita Bhandari case.
“I request you to ask the Government to reconsider this appointment, and that Mr. Gautam not take office until the CBI has completed its investigation,” Gandhi wrote in his October 15 letter.
Gandhi questioned the appointment while allegations raised by Ankita’s family remained under investigation.
“I was therefore shocked to learn of the appointment of Mr. Dushyant Gautam as Governor of Sikkim. Many people, including Ankita’s family, allege that Mr. Gautam is linked with this crime. The CBI inquiry to determine who the VIPs were is ongoing, but proceeding very slowly,” he wrote.
Gautam has denied the allegations and initiated defamation proceedings against those making them. The allegations against him have not been established.
Gandhi’s letter focused on the unanswered questions surrounding the alleged VIP connection in the murder of the 19-year-old receptionist.
“One question has gone unanswered for four years: who were the VIPs? In January this year, after protests across Uttarakhand, the State Government handed that question to the CBI. Its investigation is still under way,” he wrote.
He argued that the constitutional protections attached to the governor’s office could prevent the investigation from leading to prosecution while Gautam remained in office.
“An inquiry that can never result in prosecution is an inquiry in name only. A Governor must command the trust of the people of his State. No one under this shadow can,” Gandhi wrote.
The Congress leader acknowledged that governors are appointed on the advice of the Union government, but urged Murmu to seek a reconsideration.
“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,” he alleged.
“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.”
Gandhi ended his letter with an appeal on behalf of Ankita’s parents, who have been protesting against the appointment.
“Ankita refused the repellent demand made of her and paid with her life. Her parents, who are still fighting for justice, are now protesting this appointment and being detained by police. Please act – provide solace to Ankita’s grieving parents and protect the high post of Governor.”
Gandhi and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had met Ankita’s parents at India Gate on Wednesday. The parents were demanding that Gautam’s appointment be put on hold until the CBI investigation was completed, PTI reported. Gautam was appointed governor on Monday.
Ankita, who worked at a resort near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, was murdered on September 18, 2022. Resort owner Pulkit Arya, the son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, and two accomplices were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Her family and activists have continued to seek an investigation into the alleged involvement of an unidentified VIP.
(With inputs from PTI)