Bhopal, May 26, 2025 – Manohar Lal Dhakad, a local political figure from Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, was arrested after an explicit video allegedly featuring him with a woman on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway went viral. The footage, believed to be captured by CCTV at a toll plaza, triggered public outrage and prompted immediate police action.
Key Developments:
1. Legal Action: Dhakad has been charged under Sections 296 (public obscenity), 285 (obstruction of public way), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities are also investigating how the footage was leaked and widely circulated online.
2. Political Clarification: While Dhakad was previously associated with the BJP, the party clarified he is not a primary member. His wife, Sohan Bai, currently serves as a BJP-supported district panchayat member.
3. Community Response: The Dhakad Mahasabha Yuva Sangh condemned the incident, expelling Dhakad from his role as national secretary and labeling his actions as deeply harmful to the community’s image.
4. Video Leak Probe: Police are questioning employees of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to determine whether the video was leaked from the expressway’s surveillance system.
5. Status of the Woman: The identity of the woman involved remains undisclosed. She has not been detained, with authorities stating her role in the incident is still under review.
The act reportedly occurred on May 13, with the video emerging online on May 21. The case has sparked intense discussions around public conduct, privacy rights, and the responsibilities of individuals in public roles. Investigations remain ongoing, with officials assuring strict action against all those found guilty.
