Twist in Manisha case: Forensic experts to examine ‘suicide angle’, panel formed

Nearly five days after the body of 19-year-old schoolteacher Manisha was recovered from near a canal in Singhani village of Bhiwani district, the investigation has taken a new turn with police now probing the case from a ‘suicide angle’.

SP confirms recovery of suicide note

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The suicide note was recovered from the victim’s bag… There were no cut marks on the throat or body, and the post-mortem examination primarily denied sexual assault. — Sumit Kumar, bhiwani sp

A five-member medical team of Pt. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, headed by Medical Superintendent Dr Kundan Mittal, has been constituted to examine forensic aspects of the case. The panel will also review the alleged suicide note and collect fresh samples. Sources said the team is scheduled to meet tomorrow and may also visit Bhiwani.

Confirming the development, Bhiwani SP Sumit Kumar told The Tribune: “The suicide note was recovered from the victim’s bag along with other documents on August 13. She had purchased insecticide from a shop near her school. The post-mortem examination did not reveal cut marks on the throat or body, and primarily denied sexual assault, though samples have been preserved for further forensic tests.”

The SP added that Manisha had purchased the insecticide from a shop owned by one Devender on August 11, the day she went missing. Her body was discovered two days later near the canal. Manisha was employed as a teacher in a private school in Singhani, six km from her native Dhani Laxman village.

The post-mortem examination conducted at PGIMS by Dr Abhiney Gupta and Dr Pankaj Chhikara revealed extensive decomposition, multiple missing organs, and a severe incised wound on the neck.

The report said the body was covered in mud and weeds, emitting foul odour. Swabs and smears were preserved for detailed forensic examination.

Initially, Bhiwani police had registered a murder case after recovering Manisha’s body on August 13. Public outrage erupted, with residents staging a dharna in Dighawa town demanding justice.

The state government subsequently transferred the SP and suspended five police personnel for negligence. However, the protest in Loharu subdivision continues, with villagers insisting on justice for Manisha and her family.