Ankita Bhandari’s Parents Released After Detention During Overnight India Gate Protest

Last Updated:October 15, 2026, 06:27 IST

The overnight protest was held against the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor.

Activist Yogita Bhayana, centre, with the parents of the deceased victim Ankita Bhandari stage a sit-in protest at India Gate demanding justice for their daughter. (PTI photo)

Ankita Bhandari’s parents and all Congress protesters detained during a sit-in at India Gate were released by the Delhi Police on Thursday, the party said. According to the Congress, the parents have since gone to stay with a relative.

The detentions took place around 4 am, triggering sharp criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the police of manhandling protesters and targeting those demanding justice for Ankita.

The overnight protest was held against the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as Sikkim Governor, with the protesters demanding that the appointment be put on hold pending an investigation into the alleged VIP angle in the case.

Congress Slams Police Action

Congress leaders Supriya Shrinate, Pawan Khera and Kazi Nizamuddin condemned the detentions and questioned the police action against the victim’s family.

“This is brutality. You can see democracy coming to an end at India Gate. It is ending at 4 am,” Khera said.

He also questioned why Ankita’s parents were detained while protesters were raising concerns over Gautam’s appointment.

Shrinate called the action as harsh, saying the parents had been seeking justice for four years.

“What kind of action is this? This is a ruthless action against helpless parents who have been demanding justice for four years. Instead of delivering justice to them, the government is appointing the main accused as a Governor and then treating the parents so brutally,” she said.

Nizamuddin said the Congress would continue its campaign until its demands were addressed. The party also alleged that women protesters were manhandled during the detentions.

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Why were Ankita Bhandari’s parents and Congress protesters detained at India Gate?

Ankita Bhandari’s parents and Congress protesters were detained by the Delhi Police following an overnight sit-in protest at India Gate. The demonstration was held to oppose the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Sikkim Governor, with protesters demanding that the appointment be put on hold pending a CBI investigation into his alleged connection to the case.

What actions did Ankita Bhandari’s family demand regarding Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment?

Ankita Bhandari’s parents urged President Droupadi Murmu to halt the appointment of BJP leader Dushyant Kumar Gautam as the Sikkim Governor until the Central Bureau of Investigation concludes its inquiry into the alleged VIP angle. Her father stated that Gautam should face investigation rather than holding a gubernatorial office.

How did Congress leaders react to the police detentions at India Gate?

Congress leaders such as Supriya Shrinate, Pawan Khera, and Kazi Nizamuddin strongly condemned the early morning police action, labeling it as brutal and ruthless against helpless parents seeking justice for four years. They questioned why the victim’s family members were targeted while peacefully raising concerns over the gubernatorial appointment.

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