Sikkim University Students Association seeks review of Dushyant Gautam’s appointment as governor

The Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) has urged authorities to reconsider Dushyant Kumar Gautam’s appointment as the Governor of Sikkim, citing unresolved allegations surrounding the 2022 murder of 19-year-old Ankita Bhandari in Uttarakhand. The association called for transparency in the investigation and clarification of the identity of the alleged VIP reportedly linked to the case, according to the The Darjeeling Chronicle report.

In its statement, SUSA raised concerns over allegations linking Gautam to the unidentified VIP reportedly associated with the murder case. The students’ body urged authorities to ensure an impartial investigation, accountability and adherence to due process before proceeding with the appointment.

The development comes amid renewed demands for action in the case. Ankita’s parents have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding that Gautam’s appointment be cancelled. Separately, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her to reconsider the appointment.

The allegations against Gautam have not been established in court. He has denied them and initiated defamation proceedings, according to the information reported by The Darjeeling Chronicle.

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SUSA calls for transparency in Ankita Bhandari case

SUSA expressed solidarity with Ankita’s family and called for an impartial investigation into the case, according to The Darjeeling Chronicle’s post. The association emphasised that allegations should not be treated as proven facts without a legal determination.

The students’ body also sought clarity on the alleged VIP’s identity, making transparency and due process central to its appeal for reconsideration of Gautam’s appointment as Sikkim Governor.

In a video shared by ANI on X, Ankita’s mother said the family would continue its protest until Gautam’s appointment was revoked. She added that the family would resort to a hunger strike at home if it was not allowed to continue its protest.

Ankita’s father also issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding cancellation of the appointment. He warned that people across the country could take to the streets if the appointment was not revoked.

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Rahul Gandhi writes to President

In a letter dated October 15, 2026, shared by the Uttarakhand Congress account on Instagram, Rahul Gandhi urged President Droupadi Murmu to reconsider Gautam’s appointment, citing the ongoing CBI investigation into the alleged VIP angle in the case.

Gandhi expressed concern over the status of the investigation and the unresolved identity of the alleged VIPs. He also said the appointment raised concerns while the inquiry was still underway.