Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Actress Accuses BJP Leader in Uttarakhand Murder Case
An actress named Urmila Sanawar has accused a senior BJP leader, Dushyant Kumar Gautam, of being involved in the murder of a 19-year-old receptionist named Ankita Bhandari.
The murder happened in September 2022 at a resort near Haridwar.
The main accused, Pulkit Arya, who is the son of a former BJP leader, has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Urmila claims that Ankita was killed for refusing to provide 'special services' to Gautam.
The police have summoned Urmila to record her statement, and she fears for her safety.
The government has formed a special investigation team to probe the case, and protests are being planned to demand justice for Ankita.
The government insists on credible evidence for further investigation, while the opposition argues that the government should take responsibility for probing these allegations.
Actress Urmila Sanawar accuses BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam of involvement in the murder of Ankita Bhandari.
Ankita Bhandari was killed in September 2022 for refusing to provide 'special services' to Gautam, according to Urmila.
Pulkit Arya, son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder.
Uttarakhand police have summoned Urmila to record her statement, and she fears for her safety.
The government demands credible evidence for further investigation, while the opposition argues for government responsibility in probing allegations.
- Who
- Actress Urmila Sanawar, BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam, and government officials
- What
- Allegations of involvement in the murder of Ankita Bhandari and demands for a CBI probe
- When
- Murder occurred in September 2022; current allegations and protests are ongoing
- Where
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
- Why
- Actress claims BJP leader was involved in the murder and is being protected, while the government demands evidence for further investigation
Government/BJP
Congress/Opposition
Evidence Requirement
Government/BJP
Government demands credible evidence for further investigation, stating that the SIT probe was thorough and courts upheld its findings.
Congress/Opposition
Congress argues that the government should take responsibility for probing allegations, especially when they involve senior BJP leaders.
VIP Involvement
Government/BJP
Government claims no VIP involvement was found during the investigation and courts agreed.
Congress/Opposition
Opposition highlights loopholes in the probe and demands clarity from the BJP regarding allegations involving their leaders.
- Victim
- Ankita Bhandari, 19-year-old receptionist
- Accused
- Pulkit Arya, son of former BJP leader Vinod Arya
- Alleged VIP
- Dushyant Kumar Gautam, BJP national general secretary
- Actress
- Urmila Sanawar
- Location
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- Date of Murder
- September 24, 2022
- Current Status
- Pulkit Arya serving life term; SIT formed to probe case
- Cases Against Actress
- Four cases of blackmail and defamation
Sources
Actress summoned as police act on BJP leader-VIP link claim in Uttarakhand murder case
Candlelight vigils and a looming protest: 3 years on, Ankita Bhandari murder case continues to put heat on Uttarakhand govt
Uttarakhand minister’s husband sparks outrage with 'girls for ₹20-25 thousand in Bihar' remark
Uttarakhand police on the lookout for TV actress who named BJP leader in Ankita Bhandari murder case
