The unresolved killing of a 19-year-old playschool teacher Manisha, has ignited widespread unrest across Haryana, with protests intensifying and political leaders uniting in condemnation of the state’s handling of the case. Demonstrations have disrupted daily life in multiple districts, while the victim’s family continues to refuse her cremation until arrests are made.

Manisha went missing on August 11 after she left her school to inquire about a B.Sc nursing course at a nearby private institution. CCTV footage confirms her presence near the college that afternoon. Her family reported her disappearance that evening, but police allegedly dismissed the complaint, suggesting she had eloped and would return soon. The case was formally registered only on August 12.

Manisha Found Beheaded, Acid Injuries Suspected

Tragically, her body was found on August 13 in a field near a canal in Singhani village. Medical officials confirmed her throat had been slit. According to Dr. Balwan Singh, part of the autopsy team, her body showed signs of acid exposure and possible animal attack. “Manisha’s body was found without a neck, with doctors suggesting that the wound was chewed by animals,” a senior officer stated, adding that acid-related injuries were also being examined.

Since the discovery, protests have broken out across Bhiwani, Hisar, Jind, and Fatehabad. On Sunday, villagers in Dhigawa blocked the Delhi-Pilani highway by placing tires and motorbikes on the road, bringing traffic to a standstill for nearly two hours. Meanwhile, students took to the streets in Bhiwani and Jind, demanding swift justice.

Despite the government’s intervention, including the transfer of Bhiwani SP Manbir Singh and the suspension of five officers—SHO Ashok, ASI Shakuntala, ASI Anoop, Constable Pawan, and SPO Dharmendra—protesters say the steps are insufficient. The family continues to sit on dharna, insisting that the accused be arrested before Manisha’s final rites are conducted.

Father Blames Police for Daughter’s Death, Cites Negligence

Manisha’s father, Sanjay Singh, is resolute: “The police failed to act on time and because of their negligence, my daughter is dead. They have failed to arrest the perpetrators of the crime even after five days of the incident.” He also accused the nursing college staff of delaying the release of CCTV footage until August 13, raising suspicion about potential tampering or concealment of evidence.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated, “Manisha is our daughter, and the daughter of the entire family. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure justice for her and her family.” He assured that the investigation is being closely monitored and that “strict action will be taken against the culprits as soon as the investigation report is finalised.”

Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhry, who visited the protest site, emphasized that the government is treating the case with utmost seriousness. “The chief minister has assured that stringent action will be taken against the culprits,” she said, while confirming her communication with senior party leaders regarding the case.

Meanwhile, political criticism has intensified. Congress MP Kumari Selja remarked, “This is not just a heinous crime, but also a stark example of the collapse of law and order in the state.” She described the government’s action as superficial, stating, “The police brushed aside the family’s concerns, telling them the girl must have run away.”

Former CM Blames Police Delay for Manisha’s Death

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda echoed these concerns, saying, “If the police had acted in time, her life could have been saved. Law and order has completely collapsed across Haryana.”

INLD leader Abhay Chautala declared that the incident had exposed the failure of the BJP government’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” slogan, calling the murder “a black spot” on the administration.

Digvijay Chautala from the JJP expressed frustration over the delay in action: “The police have even failed to identify the accused. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is influenced by Delhi and is not giving the police a free hand to act.”

Sunaina Chautala, also from INLD, urged immediate arrests, and Congress leader Raju Mann described the current state as “jungle raj.”

Over 4,100 Missing: AAP Slams Govt Over Rising Crime

Aam Aadmi Party’s Anurag Dhanda cited disturbing statistics, noting that over 4,100 people went missing in the first six months of 2025. “Criminals are operating with impunity, ransom calls are being made from jails, yet the CM remains a mute spectator,” he said.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally sought a response from the Haryana Director General of Police regarding the case.

Local authorities say progress is being made. Singhani’s sarpanch, Sanjeet Kumar, stated that SP Sumit Kumar has informed villagers that leads have been identified and that the case will be resolved soon. However, as days pass with no arrests, public anger and political pressure continue to escalate.

The case has now become a flashpoint for broader concerns over women’s safety and the state of governance in Haryana.