In the wake of a 19-year-old teacher’s mysterious death that has rocked Bhiwani district, police have issued a notice to farmer leader Suresh Kauth for allegedly disturbing public peace during a protest in Dhani Laxman village, Bhiwani. The notice was served on August 20 by the Mirchpur police outpost under Section 172(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Authorities allege Kauth used intimidating language, disrupted local institutions, and incited school and shop proprietors. Kauth pushed back, calling the warning an attack on peaceful protest and a tactic to silence farmers and workers.
Data Protection and DPDP Act Readiness: Hundreds of Senior Leaders Sign Up for CDPO Program
Government Reshuffles Investigation Amid Public Outcry
The teacher—identified as Manisha, aged 19—went missing on August 11. Her body was found two days later in Singhani village. Protesters, alleging foul play, rallied in large numbers. The state government transferred the probe to the CBI and ordered a third autopsy at AIIMS Delhi following widespread skepticism over local forensic findings.
Her cremation took place on August 21 with thousands attending, including police and officials. Internet service in Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri, suspended earlier, has since been restored to ease tensions.
Why It Matters
The attention on this case reflects the precarious balancing act between citizens’ right to protest and the state’s efforts to maintain order. The farmer leader asserts he raised his voice only for justice, while the administration views his speech and related disruptions as a threat to public tranquility.
Meanwhile, the decision to hand over the case to the CBI and conduct an AIIMS autopsy underscores the government’s recognition of public demand for accountability and transparency. Yet, even as trust is being built, the legal notice to Suresh Kauth suggests an undercurrent of friction between citizen-led action and institutional control.
