Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh — May 26, 2025 : A man named Manohar Dhakad, who allegedly engaged in public sexual activity with a woman on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, has been arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Police. The incident, captured on highway surveillance cameras, has caused outrage across the country, especially after two separate videos from that night surfaced—one showing the act itself, and another depicting the couple dancing nude on the expressway.
The explicit footage not only went viral on social media but also became the centerpiece of an ongoing extortion and blackmail investigation, as officials revealed that the suspect was allegedly being blackmailed by individuals who had access to the highway’s CCTV control room.
The Incident That Sparked National Attention
The act reportedly occurred late at night on May 13, on an 8-lane stretch of the busy expressway in Mandsaur district. The man, Manohar Dhakad, is said to be the husband of a local district panchayat member and is allegedly linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In the video, Dhakad is seen stepping out of his vehicle and engaging in obscene conduct with a woman in full public view, followed by dancing and celebrating on the expressway. The shocking nature of the act—particularly on one of India’s most trafficked highways—has sparked public outrage and prompted swift police action.
Charges Filed, Vehicle Seized
After the video surfaced, police registered a case on May 23 at Bhanpura police station, invoking:
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IPC Section 296 (obscene acts in public places),
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IPC Section 285 (acts likely to endanger public safety),
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and Section 3(5) (general intent under MP local provisions).
The police raided Dhakad’s native village of Bani the same night and recovered the car seen in the footage, but he was initially absconding. He was later tracked down and taken into custody.
CCTV Footage Used for Blackmail
More disturbing revelations have emerged during the investigation. According to sources, personnel from the expressway’s control room were the first to spot the obscene activity through surveillance feeds. Some of them allegedly used the footage to blackmail Dhakad, demanding ₹20,000, which was reportedly paid. However, when the demands escalated, Dhakad refused to comply.
The police have now launched a parallel probe into these extortion allegations. Authorities are identifying individuals involved in the control room who may have misused their access to sensitive surveillance systems for personal gain.
Public Backlash and Political Implications
The case has triggered strong public condemnation, not just for the vulgarity of the act, but also due to Dhakad’s political connections. The incident raises critical questions about abuse of public spaces, moral responsibility of public figures, and the integrity of state-run surveillance infrastructure.
Police say further questioning is ongoing, and additional arrests related to the blackmail ring cannot be ruled out.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
