Bajrang Dal Member and Cow Vigilante Monu Manesar Arrested by Haryana Police

| 12 September 2023

In a significant development in the case involving the killing of two Muslim men from Rajasthan, Monu Manesar, a member of the Bajrang Dal and a self-proclaimed cow vigilante, was arrested by the Haryana Police on Tuesday. The arrest follows a tumultuous period since February when Monu Manesar was booked in connection with the shocking incident.

The incident in question pertains to the abduction and murder of Nasir and Junaid, both residents of Ghatmeeka village in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan. On February 15, these two men were allegedly abducted by a group of cow vigilantes, and their lifeless bodies were discovered in a charred car in Loharu, Haryana's Bhiwani, the very next day. This tragic event sent shockwaves across the nation and garnered widespread attention.

The arrest of Monu Manesar, whose real name is Mohit Yadav, comes after the Rajasthan Police filed a chargesheet in the case, naming him as one of the key accused. His apprehension by Haryana Police has added a new dimension to this already sensitive case.

A CCTV video, exclusively accessed by India Today, captured the moment when plain-clothed officials detained Monu Manesar in Haryana. Speaking to India Today, Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Mamta Singh, disclosed that the arrest was made on the grounds of an objectionable social media post allegedly posted by Monu Manesar. She further added that they have communicated with police departments in other states where Monu Manesar is wanted, paving the way for the state police to take his custody through legal procedures.

Monu Manesar's association with the Bajrang Dal and his self-avowed role as a cow vigilante have drawn considerable scrutiny. These elements have made him a prominent figure in a charged and polarized discourse surrounding cow protection in India. His arrest marks a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Nasir and Junaid, whose tragic fate has been a focal point of discussions surrounding cow vigilantism and communal tensions.

Nasir and Junaid's case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by vigilantism and the urgent need for stricter measures to curb such incidents. The arrest of Monu Manesar underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to hold individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their affiliations or associations.

As the legal proceedings against Monu Manesar unfold, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the broader discourse on cow vigilantism and communal tensions in India. The eyes of the nation are now fixed on the courtroom, as justice is sought for the victims and accountability for their alleged assailants.