Manohar Lal Dhakad, a local political figure from Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested on Sunday after CCTV footage allegedly showing him in an inappropriate act with a woman along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway surfaced and quickly went viral online.
The incident, captured by surveillance cameras near a toll plaza, depicts Dhakad in what has been described as a “compromising situation” with a woman outside a car on the expressway. While the authenticity of the video has not been confirmed by IANS, the footage has stirred widespread reactions and drawn political attention.
In response to the public outrage following the viral clip, police at Bhanpura station registered a case suo motu under sections 296, 285, and 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
“He has been arrested under Sections 296, 285, and 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita. However, we are investigating the matter further, as we need to determine who made the video viral and the motive behind it. Even if the footage was captured on CCTV, those in possession of the clips must hand them over to the police. We also need to ascertain whether other individuals were involved in the crime,” said R.C. Dangi, the investigating officer and in-charge of Bhanpura police station, while speaking to IANS.
The woman seen in the footage has not yet been detained. Authorities are currently evaluating what legal steps can be taken against her.
“We need to conduct a thorough investigation before deciding what legal action can be taken against her. If more people were involved, we will include additional provisions under the BNS,” the police officer added.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has distanced itself from the accused. Both local leaders and party representatives have denied that Dhakad is officially affiliated with the party.
“This is a highly objectionable and shameful act by the individual identified as Manohar Lal Dhakad and the woman. He is not even a primary member of the BJP. However, anyone can technically join the party by giving a ‘missed call’ to a designated mobile number,” said Yashpal Singh Sisodiya, the BJP spokesperson and former MLA from Mandsaur.
Echoing the sentiment, Mandsaur district BJP president Rajesh Dixit also confirmed that Dhakad is not listed as a primary party member.
Since the footage appeared online on the night of May 21, 2025, it has ignited widespread social media debate and backlash. Following the controversy, the Dhakad Mahasabha Yuva Sangh announced Dhakad’s expulsion from the community association with immediate effect.
The arrested individual belongs to the Dhakad (Kirar) community. Investigations are ongoing to determine further involvement and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
