New Delhi, August 2, 2023: In the aftermath of the violent communal clashes that have gripped Haryana, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addressed the media today, stating that the state has no information on Monu Manesar, the individual allegedly central to Monday’s tragic events resulting in six fatalities.
Khattar clarified, “The case against him is filed by the Rajasthan government. I have told the Rajasthan government that if they need help to trace him, we are ready to assist. Now the Rajasthan Police is searching for him. We don’t have any inputs on his whereabouts. Whether they have or not, how can we say?”
Monu Manesar has been on the run, wanted for the murder of two individuals from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur since February. He is believed to have circulated an objectionable video that triggered the unrest. The rumour of his presence at the religious procession organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Nuh ignited the violence, resulting in the torching of a mosque and over a hundred vehicles.
The situation has also affected Gurugram, a neighboring area to Delhi, which has been placed on high alert. Prohibitory orders banning large gatherings were imposed in Gurugram, but a violation by a mob of 200 led to the destruction of eateries and shanties near a residential society.
In response to the ongoing unrest, right-wing groups, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, are holding protest marches across Delhi, causing major traffic congestion.
CM Khattar shared that 116 people have been arrested and 190 detained based on CCTV footage and phone call records. He assured that those responsible for the violence will be held accountable for the losses.
While acknowledging the challenge for the police to protect every individual in the state, Khattar made a plea for peace and harmony among the people. The situation remains tense as authorities work to restore order and curb further incidents of violence.
