Police Arrest Madhya Pradesh Leader Manohar Lal Dhakad Seen in Obscene Viral Video on Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

Manohar Lal Dhakad, husband of Sohan Bai and a BJP-backed District Panchayat member from Ward No. 8 in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur, was arrested on Sunday after a video allegedly showing him engaged in a sexual act with a woman on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway went viral. The footage, reportedly captured by a CCTV camera at a nearby toll booth, quickly circulated on social media, prompting police action and strong reaction from the society at large.

The incident reportedly occurred on 13 May, and the video of it surfaced on May 21, showing a man and woman allegedly involved in a “compromising situation” outside a car along the expressway. In response to the video, Bhanpura police station in Mandsaur district registered a case against Dhakad, taking suo motu cognisance of what it described as a public nuisance and an obscene act.

“He has been arrested under Sections 296, 285, and 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita,” said R.C. Dangi, in-charge of Bhanpura police station, speaking to IANS.
“We are investigating the matter further, including identifying who circulated the video and the intent behind it. Even if the footage was obtained via CCTV, it must be handed over to the police by anyone in possession of it,” he added.

According to the police, legal action against the woman seen in the footage is still under consideration. “We need to conduct a thorough investigation before determining what action can be taken against her. If more individuals were involved, additional provisions under the BNS will be added,” said Dangi.

Following the incident, Dhakad was removed from his position as national secretary of the Dhakad Mahasabha in Ujjain. The Dhakad Mahasabha Yuva Sangh also issued a statement distancing itself from him, denouncing his conduct as unacceptable.

In the political fallout, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly denied any formal association with Dhakad. Despite initial reports suggesting a BJP link, party leaders have clarified that he is not a member.

“This is a highly objectionable and shameful act by the individual identified as Manohar Lal Dhakad and the woman,” said Yashpal Singh Sisodiya, a BJP spokesperson and former MLA from Mandsaur. “He is not even a primary member of the BJP. Anyone can technically join by giving a ‘missed call’ to a number, but that does not constitute formal membership.” Echoing the same stance, Mandsaur district BJP president Rajesh Dixit also confirmed that Dhakad holds no recognised position within the party.​