Bhiwani teacher death: Thousands attend Manisha's last rites; internet suspension extended

The last rites of 19-year-old school teacher Manisha were performed at Dhani Laxman in Bhiwani, with thousands — including locals, villagers, relatives, officials, and police personnel — gathering to bid her a final farewell.

Her younger brother lit the funeral pyre. The ongoing protest over her death had ended on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, the Haryana Government has extended the suspension of internet services in Bhiwani district for one more day — until 11 am on Friday — as a precautionary measure. Earlier, internet services in both Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri districts were suspended until 11 am on Thursday.

On Thursday, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the case will be handed over to the CBI for an inquiry on the family’s request.

Inspector General of Police Rajshri, who was present at the cremation, offered condolences to the bereaved family. SDM Loharu Manoj Dalal stated that the case is now being investigated by the CBI in accordance with local sentiments.

He said that any missed points in the earlier investigation would be addressed by the central agency. “If the CBI finds anything different, the state government will ensure punishment,” he added.

Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni said that with the family’s demands — including a postmortem at AIIMS and a CBI probe — now fulfilled, the protesters are satisfied but will continue to closely monitor the case.

He also stated that, typically, cases and arrests made during such protests are withdrawn after the agitation ends, and if any have been filed in this matter, they too should be revoked.

Manisha was found dead near a canal in Singhani village on August 13. Initially, police registered a case of murder but later began investigating it from a suicide angle. The family rejected the suicide theory, following which the state government decided to hand over the investigation to the CBI.