Victim: Manisha, a 19-year-old playschool teacher from Dhani Laxman village, Bhiwani district, Haryana.

Timeline:

August 11, 2025: Manisha goes missing while heading to inquire about nursing college admission. 

August 13, 2025: Her body is found in a field near Singhani village by a farmer. 

Autopsy Findings:

Multiple post-mortems conducted across three facilities—Bhiwani Civil Hospital, PGI Rohtak, and AIIMS Delhi—consistently found traces of pesticide (suggesting poisoning). Injuries previously thought to be stab wounds or acid burns were attributed to animal activity on a decomposed body. No signs of sexual assault were reported. 

Police Findings & Family's Reaction:

Authorities recovered a suspected suicide note and evidence that Manisha had allegedly purchased pesticide—leading the police to initially classify the case as suicide. 

Manisha’s father firmly denied the suicide angle, maintaining the belief that it was murder. He also accused police of negligence when he reported her missing. 

Public Response and Administrative Actions:

The case triggered widespread protests across Haryana—including candle marches, roadblocks, and demands for the death penalty for the perpetrators. 

To contain unrest, the state government suspended mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri for 48 hours. Several police officials, including the local SP, were suspended or transferred for alleged lapses. 

A “mahapanchayat” and protest committees formed, insisting that Manisha’s body not be cremated until a CBI investigation was ordered. 

Government Decision:

Responding to mounting pressure, Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini transferred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for an impartial probe. 

Manisha was cremated on August 21, 2025, nine days after her death. Thousands attended, and demands for justice remained high.