Kharge Slams Modi Govt Over Detention of Ankita Bhandari’s Parents, Questions ‘VIP’ Appointment

New Delhi, Oct 15 : Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi government of insensitivity and political double standards over the reported detention of Ankita Bhandari’s parents, who were seeking justice for their daughter. He also questioned the appointment of a person allegedly linked to the BJP and referred to as a “VIP” to the post of Governor.

In a strongly worded post on social media platform X, Kharge condemned the reported action against the bereaved parents and criticised the government for its response to their demand for accountability.

“The Modi government has reached the height of cowardice and insensitivity,” Kharge said, alleging that Ankita’s parents were taken into custody for seeking justice while a person linked to the BJP and described as a “VIP” had been appointed Governor.

Questioning the authorities’ handling of the matter, Kharge said the reported detention reflected an attempt by those in power to avoid scrutiny rather than address the family’s concerns.

“This repression by those in power is not proof of the government’s strength, but evidence that it is running away from questions,” he said.

The Congress president termed the reported treatment of Ankita’s parents shameful and condemnable, noting that it was particularly distressing for a family that had lost its daughter to face such circumstances while pursuing justice.

Kharge reiterated that the Congress would continue to demand accountability in the case and would not abandon its efforts to secure justice for Ankita.

Ankita Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist, was murdered in September 2022 while working at a resort near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The crime triggered widespread public outrage and demands for a thorough investigation.

The case has remained politically sensitive amid questions surrounding the alleged involvement of an influential person referred to as a “VIP”. The family’s continued pursuit of justice and concerns over the handling of the allegations have kept the matter in the public spotlight.

Kharge’s remarks have brought the controversy back into focus, with the Congress accusing the government of failing to adequately address the concerns of the bereaved family.