Dobh Srikot village of Uttarakhand. Ankita Bhandari's house is situated in this village situated on the way from Srinagar to Pauri, 22 km ahead. Ankita was a receptionist at Rishikesh's Vanantara resort and was murdered for refusing to provide special service to the guest.
At present only 50 people live in Ankita's village. 20 years ago the population here was about 200. These people migrated in search of employment. Ankita's family, friends, and relationships are all in this village. She also wanted to help the family, so after the 12th did a course in hotel management and came to Rishikesh for work. Ankita's life ended before she got her first salary.
Ankita's village on an hour's climb from the road
After leaving Srinagar, we stopped on the way to Ankita's village. A resident on the main road asked where is Dobh Srikot village. He told that the hill is visible in front and behind it. Where is the way from I asked? So said - leave the car here. Have to go on foot. It will take about an hour.
This path was a waterfall flowing between the mountains. One has to pass through running water to move forward. Worth walking. Slippery roads lead to the mountain. There is a dense forest all around. It was said that it is common to see bears, tigers, leopards, and wild boar here. Go carefully
Old house surrounded by mountains, where Ankita lived
After walking for about 50 minutes, we reached Ankita's house. Old house with white paint. It was here that she spent her childhood and was living here even before her job in the resort. There are weeds in this part of the mountain. Saddened by the passing of the daughter and peace filled with this sorrow.
Ankita's books are kept in the house. There are some copies, in which the family sees his writing. These papers have now turned into Ankita's memories.
Uncle said - we thought that we got a good job
This is where we met Ankita's uncle Surendra Singh Bhandari. It is said that Ankita was very intelligent. Studied till 12th. The condition of the house was such that he felt that the family should do something. There is no road to reach here. Nevertheless, the family had taught him somehow. He got a job at the resort, so we thought let's get a good job. She used to talk to mom every day. His mobile suddenly got switched off on 18th September.
Ankita came to know about the job at the resort on the internet. A friend from Jammu also helped him to join this job. On August 28, Ankita left for Rishikesh from home. He was joining from 1st September. Not even 20 days passed before he was murdered.
Patwari did not write the report, the resort owner did not even tell that Ankita is missing
We asked him what happened after Ankita went missing. He told that we first talked to the patwari. He even refused to write the report. After this, we spoke to Speaker Ritu Khanduri. That's what they are from. Told them that such a thing has happened.
The police became active after his request. SDM transferred the case here. People also helped a lot. They stood together since the 20th. They were present till the funeral.
At first, we didn't even know what happened to Ankita. His phone was getting switched off. A friend of Ankita's friend got a call from Jammu. It was found out. Then Ankita's father left from here. We were not even told by the owner of the resort, Pulkit Arya, what happened. He should have told me that your daughter has disappeared from here. He went to the patwari. She wrote there the wrong report that she was under mental stress.
Wanted to study beyond 12th, but could not go to college
Uncle tells that Ankita studied till 5th in Saraswati Vidya Mandir. Then did his Intermediate studies at Bhagatram English Medium School. The school is at Pauri, 10 km away. She studied there by taking a rented room. After passing 12th, she wanted to study further. That's when Corona came. Then he did a course in hotel management from Dehradun. He wanted to make a name in the hotel industry.
Father Birendra Singh Bhandari used to work as a guard in a nearby dam. Lost job during Corona time. Mother Soni had to work in Anganwadi. They still work here.
We asked which Ankita's room, was where she used to study. On this uncle took us to a room. Will be around 8 by 8. On entering, Ankita's school group photo was seen hanging in front. This photo was taken in 2011. Ankita was in 5th then.
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