Police Detain Parents, Congress Leaders at Ankita Bhandari Protest

Law enforcement in Uttarakhand detained Ankita Bhandari's parents and several Congress party officials during a protest march seeking action in the young woman's murder case. Among those held were senior party leaders Supriya Shrinate, Pawan Khera, and Kazi Nizamuddin, who had joined the demonstration to express solidarity with the bereaved family.

Congress leaders accused police of using heavy-handed tactics to silence those demanding justice for Bhandari, whose death sparked widespread outrage across the state. The party characterized the detentions as an attempt to suppress legitimate democratic expression and obstruct the pursuit of accountability in the case.

The incident underscores growing tensions between state authorities and opposition parties over the handling of the high-profile criminal investigation. Congress representatives contended that police action against protesters and grieving family members reflected a broader pattern of intimidation targeting those critical of the government's response to the crime.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with various political and civil society groups demanding swift and transparent investigation. Police have not yet issued formal statements regarding the detentions or the grounds cited for holding the protesters.