Gangtok, October 15: The Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) has raised concerns over Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor, urging the authorities to review the decision in light of allegations surrounding the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand.
In a press release dated October 15, SUSA called for transparency and accountability over Gautam’s appointment, announced on October 12, and sought clarification regarding the identity of the alleged VIP reportedly linked to the case.
Ankita, who worked as a receptionist at Vanantara Resort in Uttarakhand, was found dead four days after her death. The case has drawn continued public attention over questions surrounding the alleged VIP’s identity.
SUSA referred to allegations reportedly made by Urmila Sanawar, who is associated with former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore, in audio clips identifying Gautam as the alleged VIP. Gautam has denied the allegations and initiated defamation proceedings. The claims have not been established in court.
The association called for an impartial investigation, due diligence in constitutional appointments and accountability, while emphasising that allegations must not be treated as proven facts without legal determination. It also expressed solidarity with Ankita’s family in its pursuit of justice.