Bhiwani Teacher’s Case: Rites Performed, Net Ban Continues
Thousands Attend Last Rites of Manisha in Bhiwani
The last rites of 19-year-old playschool teacher Manisha, whose mysterious death in Bhiwani triggered widespread protests, were performed on Thursday in her native village, Dhani Laxman, with thousands in attendance. Her body, found in a field on August 13, two days after she went missing, sparked outrage, with her family and villagers rejecting the police’s initial suicide claim and demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. The Haryana government, responding to public pressure, extended the suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and dongle services in Bhiwani district for an additional 24 hours until 11 am on Friday, August 22, to prevent misinformation and unrest.
Manisha had left her school on August 11 to inquire about a nursing college admission and never returned home. Her father, Sanjay, inconsolable during the cremation, firmly rejected the police’s suicide theory, stating, “My daughter could never do this. I want justice.” A third autopsy, demanded by the family due to concerns over missing organs and conflicting reports from earlier examinations at Bhiwani Civil Hospital and PGIMS Rohtak, was conducted at AIIMS Delhi on Wednesday. The body arrived in Bhiwani late that evening, paving the way for the final rites, performed by her younger brother.
The Haryana government, under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, announced on Wednesday that the case would be handed over to the CBI for an impartial investigation, meeting the family’s primary demand. Saini emphasized, “The state government and police are working with full transparency to ensure justice for our daughter Manisha and her family. I am personally monitoring this case.” The decision followed days of protests, with residents blocking roads using stones and tree branches, accusing the police of negligence. The government also transferred the Bhiwani Superintendent of Police and suspended five officers for alleged lapses in the initial investigation.
Also Read: Amid Protests, Bhiwani Teacher’s Case Goes to CBI
The police initially registered a murder case but later cited a suicide note, forensic evidence of insecticide in Manisha’s body, and video proof of her purchasing the substance as evidence of suicide. Bhiwani SP Sumit Kumar stated, “The handwriting in the note matches hers, and the viscera report confirms poison.” However, the family and villagers dismissed these findings, alleging foul play and pointing to a reported cut mark on Manisha’s throat. The opposition, led by Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, criticized the BJP-led government, claiming the case reflected a “breakdown of law and order” and accusing authorities of hastily labeling it a suicide to quell public anger.
The protests, led by a village committee, ended Wednesday night after the government agreed to the CBI probe and AIIMS autopsy. Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, who joined the dharna, noted that the family was satisfied with the government’s response but would continue monitoring the investigation. The internet suspension, initially imposed in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri on August 19, was extended in Bhiwani alone to curb the spread of rumors on platforms like WhatsApp and Twitter, which authorities feared could incite violence or vandalism. The order, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra, cited “apprehension of public unrest” as the reason.
The case has highlighted tensions over law enforcement’s handling of sensitive cases in Haryana, with the CBI probe now tasked with uncovering the truth behind Manisha’s tragic death.
