Their message? Cancel the appointment; or face nationwide protests. They believe Gautam, a former BJP leader and Uttarakhand in-charge, is linked to their daughter’s 2022 murder. The case, which saw the resort owner sentenced to life, has long carried whispers of a ‘VIP angle’; and now, the family’s fight is hitting the highest levels of power. With the CBI still investigating, the family demands justice before any political appointment is finalized. Congress leaders, detained alongside them, echo the concern: can a Governor be shielded from investigation? This isn’t just about one crime; it’s about whether power can override accountability. And with a 24-hour ultimatum on the table, the pressure is now real.