-Family demands AIIMS doctors to conduct post-mortem; thousands join protests, internet shut down till Aug 21

Chandigarh, August 20 (HS): The Haryana government has handed over the investigation into the mysterious death of schoolteacher Manisha in Bhiwani to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chief Minister Nayab Saini announced the decision on social media platform X around 2 a.m. on Tuesday night, following mounting public outrage and persistent protests by villagers and the victim’s family.

The government has already transferred the Bhiwani Superintendent of Police and suspended several police officials, including the local station house officer, over lapses in the case.

Manisha, a young teacher, had gone out on August 11 for admission to a nursing college but never returned home. Her body was recovered on August 13 from fields near Singhani village. A preliminary post-mortem conducted on August 14 revealed her throat had been slit, though there was no confirmation of sexual assault.

Since then, her family and villagers have refused to perform her last rites, demanding justice and a fresh medical examination. Protests have swelled across the district, with thousands holding sit-ins, leading the government to suspend internet services in Bhiwani till August 21.

While police initially claimed it was a case of suicide, the victim’s family strongly rejected the theory. After marathon late-night negotiations between senior officials and Manisha’s family, authorities agreed to allow a third post-mortem at AIIMS, as demanded by the family.

On Wednesday morning, during a village committee meeting, it was decided that the funeral would proceed only after AIIMS doctors collect fresh forensic samples. Speaking to supporters, Manisha’s father Sanjay expressed gratitude for standing by the family and clarified that there was “no external pressure” on them. He added, “If the government proves its commitment to our demands, we will end the protest.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar