A Khap Mahapanchayat held in Dhani Laxman village of Bhiwani district on Sunday has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete and present its findings in the death of schoolteacher Manisha. The investigation into her death has so far remained inconclusive.
Father's Hunger Strike Warning
Manisha's father, Sanjay Kumar, has warned that he will launch an indefinite hunger strike at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Bhiwani if the June 29 deadline is not met. He made this announcement during the mahapanchayat and urged the public to support his campaign for justice.
Formation of Sangharsh Samiti
The panchayat constituted a sangharsh samiti (struggle committee) to lead the agitation. The committee declared that if justice is not delivered within the stipulated time, an indefinite hunger strike will begin from June 29 outside the DC office in Bhiwani. It also extended full support to the victim's family.
Background of the Case
Manisha, a schoolteacher, went missing on August 11 after leaving home for school. Her body was discovered two days later in fields near Singhani village. Police initially registered a murder case but later suggested a suicide angle, a conclusion strongly opposed by locals. Subsequently, the Haryana government transferred the case to the CBI, which visited Bhiwani on September 3.
Support from Khaps and Committee Formation
Mewa Singh Arya, a member of the samiti, said the movement has received support from several khap panchayats across Haryana. A 15-member committee has been formed to decide the next course of action and lead the agitation. The members include Satbir Pradhan, Azad Singh Bhuna, Dharamvir Singh, Praveen, Rajvir Sarpanch, Shimbhu Raj Sarpanch of Dhani Laxman village, Hardayal, Bhale Ram, Anoop, Ishwar, Raghuvir Numberdar, Raju, Mahavir Sarpanch, and Ramkumar.
Political Reaction
Former Loharu MLA Om Prakash Gora alleged that the state government was attempting to suppress the matter. He said the government should ensure justice for the victim's family instead of obstructing the investigation, adding that once the case has been handed over to the CBI, it must be brought to a conclusive end.
