A political leader from Madhya Pradesh, Manohar Lal Dhakad, was arrested after he was caught in a “compromising situation” with a woman on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. The act was recorded by a CCTV camera installed at a nearby toll booth and quickly went viral on social media. The incident happened near Mandsaur, and the video started circulating on the night of May 21, 2025. The authenticity of the video is still not confirmed by IANS.

The viral footage allegedly shows Dhakad and a woman involved in an “obscene act” outside a car, on the side of the expressway. After the video went viral, Bhanpura police station in Mandsaur district registered a case on their own (suo motu) under laws related to public nuisance and obscene acts.

“He has been arrested under Sections 296, 285, and 3(5) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Samhita. However, we are investigating the matter further, as we need to determine who made the video viral and the motive behind it. Even if the footage was captured on CCTV, those in possession of the clips must hand them over to the police. We also need to ascertain whether other individuals were involved in the crime,” said R.C. Dangi, in charge of Bhanpura police station.

Police yet to arrest the woman seen in the video

The woman shown in the video has not been arrested yet. The police said that more investigation is needed before they can decide on any legal action against her.

“We need to conduct a thorough investigation before deciding what legal action can be taken against her. If more people were involved, we would include additional provisions under the BNS,” Dangi added.

The video has caused a political debate on social media. Many people have questioned the leader’s behaviour and his political links. However, the BJP has denied that Manohar Lal Dhakad is their official member.

“This is a highly objectionable and shameful act by the individual identified as Manohar Lal Dhakad and the woman. He is not even a primary member of the BJP. However, anyone can technically join the party by giving a ‘missed call' to a designated mobile number,” said Yashpal Singh Sisodiya, BJP spokesperson and former legislator.

Mandsaur BJP district president Rajesh Dixit also confirmed that Dhakad is not a primary member of the party. Meanwhile, the Dhakad Mahasabha Yuva Sangh has removed him from their community association with immediate effect.

You might also be interested in: Kerala declares emergency after ship carrying hazardous cargo sinks off Kochi