Fact Check: Manohar Lal Dhakad’s Obscene Act—Are Viral Videos of Lubna Qureshi Real? Here’s the Truth

Two videos are currently making the rounds on social media, each claiming to show a woman named Lubna Qureshi, allegedly involved in an obscene act with Manohar Lal Dhakad, a local political figure from Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. These claims, however, do not hold up under scrutiny.

The controversy began on May 13, when CCTV footage from the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway surfaced online. It appeared to show Dhakad engaged in an indecent act with a woman beside a car. The video triggered widespread outrage, leading to Dhakad’s arrest. He was charged under sections 296 and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with section 3(5) for obstructing a public way and displaying public obscenity.

As the case gained traction, two unrelated videos began circulating on social media, misleadingly claiming to feature the woman involved in the incident. One video showed a woman in distress, accusing the police of abuse. The other showed a hijab-clad woman arguing with a man holding a microphone, allegedly defending her right to engage in sex work.

The first video, when investigated, turned out to have no connection to the Dhakad case. A reverse image search revealed that it actually dates back to August 2024. The woman in the video was identified as Monika Rajpurohit, also known as “Bikaner Ki Sherni,” a social media influencer from Rajasthan. Her video emerged after she was arrested in a narcotics case involving 200 grams of doda post. Following her release, Monika shared an emotional video alleging police misconduct, including physical abuse and indecent proposals. This footage is now being misrepresented as part of the Dhakad case.

The second video has an even older origin. It was uploaded in August 2023 by a Pakistani YouTube channel. The clip shows a confrontation between a woman in a hijab and a man on a street in Lahore. The context involved public allegations about prostitution, but the woman in the video is not connected in any way to the current scandal involving Dhakad. Despite this, the clip is being falsely shared with provocative captions, framing it as a part of the highway incident.

Furthermore, there is no verified information available about the identity of the woman seen in the original CCTV footage with Dhakad. As per a Times of India report dated May 26, the police have yet to confirm who she is. During questioning, Dhakad refused to reveal any details about her.

Given the facts, it is clear that neither of the viral videos feature the woman involved in the highway episode. The name “Lubna Qureshi” appears to be entirely fabricated, likely invented by certain social media users to sensationalize the incident and spread misleading narratives.

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than the truth, it’s essential to verify the facts before believing or sharing viral content. This case is a prime example of how unrelated footage can be weaponized to manipulate public perception.