Bhiwani/Charkhi Dadri, Haryana: The mysterious death of 19-year-old schoolteacher Manisha has triggered widespread protests, casting a tense atmosphere over Haryana’s Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts. In a bid to curb any unrest, the state government has ordered a 48-hour suspension of mobile Internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services in both districts.
Manisha Muder Case Update: The young teacher, who went missing from her school in Singhani village on August 11, was found dead near a canal two days later.At first, the police treated the matter as a case of murder and registered an FIR under Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). However, later the authorities indicated suicide, citing a note found at the scene and post-mortem report indicating poison in her body.
Villagers reject suicide theory, begin indefinite dharna
Residents of Manisha’s native village Dhani Laxman have outright rejected the police’s suicide angle. They accused the authorities of suppressing the truth and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The villagers have refused to perform the last rites until the culprits are booked and justice is ensured.
In a video statement, Manisha’s father Sanjay insisted that his daughter could never have taken her own life. Appealing for support from the public, he said, “The administration is saying that she committed suicide, but I don’t believe it. I want justice for my daughter.”
Angry locals blocked the road from Dighawa to Dhani Laxman and announced an indefinite dharna until their demands are met.
Police statement: Forensic evidence points to suicide
Rohtak Range Inspector General of Police Y Poonam Kumar clarified that the case is being investigated scientifically. According to him, medical and forensic investigations have ruled out the possibility of acid attack and sexual assault. He further clarified that the marks found on Manisha’s neck were the result of animal bites that occurred postmortem.
Officials also claimed that the suicide note matched Manisha’s handwriting and CCTV footage showed her buying pesticides from a local shop shortly before her death.
Internet services shut down to maintain law and order
Citing concerns over misinformation and inflammatory content spreading on social media, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Mishra ordered the shutdown of mobile internet, bulk SMS (except banking and recharge services) and dongle connections till 11 am on August 21. Officials described it as a “precautionary step to maintain peace and protect public property”.
Meanwhile, the villagers are adamant on their demand for a CBI probe and Manisha’s body is still kept at the Bhiwani Civil Hospital and their protest continues.