Bhiwani schoolteacher death case: Family, 52 villages to hold mahapanchayat over ‘CBI delays’

Rohtak: The family of Manisha, a schoolteacher from Dhani Laxman village in Bhiwani district whose death sparked outrage last year, has alleged repeated delays and a lack of clarity in the ongoing CBI investigation. The family, along with representatives from 52 villages, has announced a mahapanchayat for June 7 to determine their next course of action.Manisha's father Sanjay Kumar told the media that while family members met with CBI officials in Delhi on May 12 and were assured the probe was progressing, no timeline or updates have been provided. "As time passes, the family is breaking down emotionally. That is why we are being forced to approach the khap panchayats," Kumar said. Manisha left home on Aug 11, 2025, for work at a playschool and college admission-related tasks but never returned. Her body was found in nearby fields on Aug 13. While police initially termed the death a suicide, the family and community groups alleged foul play, leading to a demand for a murder investigation. Following protests and intervention by khap panchayats, the case was transferred to the CBI, which began its probe on Sept 3, 2025. Kumar claimed the investigating officer handling the case was recently changed. "The previous officers were replaced, and new officers are now looking into the matter. Sometimes they say the DVR report has not arrived; other times they simply say the investigation is ongoing. There has been no satisfactory response from the CBI," he alleged. The family claimed despite submitting two memorandums to the govt, they have received no official response. Kumar said the family has rejected informal messages allegedly offering assistance or settlements. Calling it a "politically sensitive matter," Kumar alleged pressure from influential individuals is delaying justice. "If this had involved an ordinary person, arrests would have happened by now. We are a poor family, and perhaps they think the matter will eventually die down. But we have decided to fight for justice for our daughter as long as we live," he said.