New Delhi (Agency): Monu Manesar, a well-known Bajrang Dal activist who has faced allegations of violence and murder, was taken into custody on Tuesday. While Haryana Police have not officially confirmed the detention, an office-bearer from the Vishva Hindu Parishad, the parent organization of Bajrang Dal, stated that Manesar was picked up in Gurugram’s Manesar area.
A video clip appearing to show Manesar, whose original name is Mohit Yadav, being taken into custody by plainclothes officers has circulated online. Another video that surfaced prior to the violent events of July 31 showed Manesar encouraging people to participate in the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek procession. This procession later resulted in mob violence in Haryana’s Nuh district, leading to six deaths and the imposition of prohibitory orders by local authorities.
When questioned about the video, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said, “I have seen that video, nowhere is he instigating people to riot… he is asking people to join the yatra.” The state police have said they will also investigate Manesar’s role in the recent violence.
Previously, on February 16, Manesar was named in a First Information Report (FIR) filed by Rajasthan Police for the murder of two men, Nasir and Junaid. They were found dead in a burnt car in Haryana’s Bhiwani district after allegedly being abducted by cow vigilantes. Rajasthan Police have indicated that Manesar’s role in the conspiracy is “under active investigation.”
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar pledged to assist Rajasthan Police in their efforts to investigate Manesar. However, Varun Sharma, a Haryana VHP office bearer, claimed that there are no charges against Manesar, stating, “Bajrang Dal workers are being harassed for no reason. We condemn this.”
The detention of Manesar is likely to stoke further debate and controversy, given his contentious reputation and the serious allegations against him. With investigations ongoing, this arrest could have significant implications for communal tensions and law enforcement in the region.
