Haryana Government Orders CBI Probe into Teacher's Death Following Protests
Following sustained public protests, the Haryana government has agreed to hand over the investigation into the death of Bhiwani schoolteacher Manisha to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the decision, acceding to demands from the victim's family and local villagers who had refused to perform her last rites until their call for an impartial probe was met. Manisha's body was found in a field on August 13 after she went missing.
Unpacked:
Police first claimed murder due to visible neck injuries and initial autopsy findings. Later, a suicide note in Manisha's handwriting, CCTV footage of her buying insecticide, and toxicology reports indicating poison led them to conclude it was suicide, not murder.
The family alleged police negligence, citing that their complaint was initially dismissed and were dissatisfied with the suicide conclusion. Persistent protests and refusal to perform last rites reflected widespread distrust and demand for an impartial investigation.
Protests disrupted daily life, with indefinite sit-ins and refusal to cremate the body. Authorities suspended mobile internet in two districts to prevent unrest, and the government ultimately agreed to a CBI probe under public and political pressure.
Some sources reported her throat was slit and suspected acid injuries, supporting a murder theory, while police and later autopsies found death by pesticide, no sharp injuries, and animal scratches post-mortem, supporting suicide.