On September 18, 2022, a chilling incident in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, sent shock waves across the nation. The story of Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at Vanantra Resort located amidst bushes, trees, and grassland, met a tragic end. This article outlines the sad events that ultimately led to her untimely death, based on witness accounts, investigations, and shocking revelations.
A Normal Evening Turns Horrifying
At around 7:00 p.m., Abhinav, 25, a server at the Vanantra Resort, pushed a dinner trolley towards a guest‘s room when he heard the muffled cries of a woman from the half-open door. On peering in, he witnessed a young man trying to snatch a phone and throttle Ankita Bhandari, the resort receptionist.
Shaken, Abhinav decided to keep quiet. Later in the evening, an unexplained hush surrounding that room started raising suspicion in his mind. His restlessness thus turned into a tempest of doubts when Ankita went missing the next morning, making her family and friends desperate.
Ankita’s Background: A Tale of Dreams and Struggles
Born into a humble family in Srikot, Uttarakhand, on November 11, 2003, Ankita always dreamed of uplifting her family‘s life despite the financial struggles. After pursuing hotel management, she had to drop out because her father lost his job all of a sudden. So, determined Ankita applied for a receptionist post at Vanantra Resort and got selected based on her qualifications and determination.
However, within a month of starting her job, her life took a dark turn. Ankita‘s daily calls to her parents stopped abruptly on September 18. Her father, alarmed by the lack of contact, called the resort but received vague and conflicting responses from the staff, heightening his suspicions.
The Search and Shocking Revelations
Ankita‘s family and friends pursued answers relentlessly, even protesting outside the Uttarakhand DGP office. Media attention to the case forced the police to act.
By September 22, the investigation pointed to foul play. On September 24, Ankita‘s body was recovered from Chilla Canal. The autopsy revealed that she had died of suffocation and drowning, besides showing signs of previous abuse.
Eye witness accounts and confessions by resort staff revealed the horrific truth. Resort owner Pulkit Arya, along with two managers, had been forcing Ankita into unethical activities. She strongly resisted them, which became the reason for her brutal killing.
Fight for Justice
The case quickly scaled up into a political and social movement. The demolition of Vanantra Resort, allegedly on the orders of political bigwigs, was seen as an attempt to destroy evidence. Public outrage was mounted, with protests demanding justice for Ankita.
The special investigation team arrested Pulkit Arya and his accomplices. Their confessions painted a grim picture of exploitation, threats, and eventual violence against Ankita, who stood her ground against unethical demands.
The Legacy of Ankita Bhandari
Ankita‘s story is a strong reminder of the dangers faced by women in workplaces and voices against injustice. Though Ankita’s case ended tragically, her courage inspires many in the fight against exploitation and bringing people in power to account.
Her case continues to echo as a call for change in the system, so that safer environments for women are ensured, and perpetrators face swift action.
Conclusion
The case of Ankita Bhandari stands out as a grim reminder of dreams crushed by the dark underbelly of society. It highlights the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement, workplace safety, and societal attitudes toward women. As we remember Ankita, let her story drive change and justice in our communities.
