Schoolteacher Manisha cremated at native village in Bhiwani; CBI to probe case

The body of 19-year-old schoolteacher Manisha, a resident of Dhani Laxman in Bhiwani district, was cremated in her native village today. Her younger brother lit the funeral pyre as hundreds of villagers, social activists, administrative officials and police personnel gathered to pay their last respects.

The days-long protest over her death ended late Wednesday night, following the state government’s decision to accept the family’s demands. Internet services, which had been suspended in the district, were also restored.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had earlier announced that the case would be handed over to the CBI, in line with the family’s demand.

Inspector General of Police Rajshri, who was present at the cremation, expressed solidarity with the bereaved family. “The entire society is saddened by the incident,” she said.

SDM Loharu Manoj Dalal said while the state police had followed all possible leads, the CBI would now take the probe forward. “If the CBI finds anything different, the government will ensure punishment,” he said.

Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni said the family’s demands, including a post-mortem at AIIMS and a CBI inquiry, had been fulfilled.

“The protesters are satisfied but will keep monitoring the case. We also demand that any cases or arrests made during the agitation be withdrawn, as is customary once such movements end,” he added.

Manisha’s body was recovered near a canal in Singhani village on August 13. While police initially registered a case of murder, they later began probing the suicide angle. The family, however, rejected this theory, leading to the government’s decision to transfer the investigation to the CBI.