Madhya Pradesh Police on Sunday confirmed the arrest of the man allegedly seen engaging in a sexual act in a viral video filmed on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Mandsaur, around 200 km from Indore. The footage, which surfaced on May 13, sparked widespread outrage over the misuse of public spaces and safety concerns on highways.
According to authorities, the man has been identified as Manoharlal Dhakad, a resident of Mandsaur district. Transport department records verified that the car used in the video is registered in his name. While the police have not officially named him in their statement, Mandsaur Superintendent of Police Abhishek Anand told PTI that an FIR was registered at Bhanpura police station, and Dhakad was taken into custody for questioning. “Strict action will be taken against all those involved,” the SP added.
In the wake of the controversy, Dhakad has also faced consequences outside the legal system. He was removed from his role as national secretary of the Dhakad Mahasabha, a social group registered in Ujjain, after the video’s circulation.
DIG Manoj Kumar Singh elaborated that the video was shot in a public area along the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. A case has been filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 296 (obscene act in public places), Section 285 (obstructing a public way), and Section 3(5), which deals with indecent behavior in public.
Meanwhile, political controversy also emerged surrounding Dhakad’s affiliations. Amid claims that he may be associated with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), party leaders have distanced themselves. While his wife Sohan Bai is a BJP-supported district panchayat member from Ward No. 8 in Mandsaur, BJP district president Rajesh Dixit clarified that Dhakad himself is not a primary member of the party.
“Dhakad is from Bani village, but he is not on the BJP’s primary member list. It is unknown whether he enrolled online,” Dixit said.
Sources indicate Dhakad’s mobile phone was switched off after the video went viral, and he had been unreachable until his arrest.
The woman in the video has also been booked alongside Dhakad as police continue to investigate all aspects of the case. Authorities have vowed to pursue the matter diligently, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum and public decency on national infrastructure like expressways.
Sources By Agencies
