Haryana remained tense as the mysterious death of 19-year-old school teacher Manisha in Bhiwani continued to spark widespread protests and political upheaval. Manisha, missing since August 11 and found dead two days later, became the center of a major controversy. Her last rites were performed in Dhani Laxman village, attended by large crowds and grieving family members. The tragedy provoked demands for justice, with villagers, civil society, and political leaders insisting on an impartial investigation. Responding to public outrage and family pleas, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini formally handed the investigation over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on August 20.
In an unprecedented security move, mobile internet, SMS, and dongle services in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri were initially shut down for 48 hours to prevent misinformation and maintain order. After continuous reviews and appeals, services were restored on August 21 as the situation stabilized—but warnings persisted against rumors and provocations that could disrupt peace or damage property.
The incident exposed serious flaws in the initial probe, with allegations of police negligence and evidence tampering, fueling mistrust toward the state government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Opposition leaders, activists, and organizations like Bhim Sena intensified their calls for justice, planning a state-wide bandh (shutdown) on August 24, expected to disrupt businesses and services in multiple districts.
Social tensions remain high, with rural communities and youth particularly shaken. Political factions accuse each other of exploiting the tragedy, making the Manisha case both a social flashpoint and a battleground for credibility ahead of upcoming elections. The case’s outcome is likely to shape debates on women’s safety, law enforcement reforms, and public accountability across Haryana.
