Rahul Gandhi urges President to reconsider appointment of Dushyant Gautam as Governor due to ongoing CBI probe

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi joins Ankita Bhandari’s family during a protest at India Gate against the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Governor of Sikkim over his alleged involvement in the 2022 Ankita Bhandari murder case in New Delhi on October 14, 2026. Photo Credit: ANI

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wrote to President Droupadi Murma on Thursday (October 15, 2026) urging her to request the Center to reconsider the appointment of Dushyant Gautam as the Governor of Sikkim until the ongoing probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the alleged murder of an in2VIPita in Anhand in202raki 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 attracted widespread attention due to allegations that she was killed after she refused to provide “special services” to “VIPs”. Her parents claimed that Mr Gautam was a ‘VIP’.

Mr. Gandhi said the appointment raised concerns because Article 361 of the Constitution provides the President and Governors with immunity from criminal prosecution while in office. He argued that the appointment could complicate efforts to determine responsibility in the case.

“I know that the Governors are appointed on the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Modi has shown his utter disregard for the safety of women by recommending 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, so I am writing to you why I wrote to you last time Mr. Gandhi.

He highlighted Ankita’s parents’ fight for justice and noted that they had protested against the appointment. Mr Gandhi wrote the letter hours after Delhi Police removed Ankiti’s parents from their sit-in at India Gate citing the ban.

Police said the protesters were asked to leave the premises of India Gate, a “vital facility”, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Congress leaders alleged that the protesters were manipulated and condemned the police action.

Despite the conviction in the murder case, Ankita’s family and supporters continue to demand a thorough investigation into the alleged ‘VIP’ link.

Mr Gautam has denied the allegations and earlier this year filed a defamation case in the Delhi High Court against several individuals, including the Uttarakhand Congress.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the detention of Ankita’s parents, calling it “the height of cowardice and insensitivity of the Modi government”. He questioned the BJP leader’s appointment as governor while the family continued to search for answers in the case.

“Such treatment of parents who have already lost their daughter is absolutely shameful and reprehensible. The Congress party will continue to fight to ensure justice for Ankita’s daughter,” he said.

The Center for Socialist Unity of India (Communist) condemned the appointment of Mr Gautam as Governor of Sikkim, saying 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 and Order) V Murugesan told the media on Thursday (October 15, 2026) that the police had arrested all three accused within 24 hours of the murder coming to light. He said the special investigation team, led by a woman IPS officer from the DIG, completed the investigation in 88 days and filed a 500-page charge sheet.

Published – 15 Oct 2026 21:39 IST