Chandigarh: The self-proclaimed cow vigilante and an active member of the right-wing group Bajrang Dal, Monu Manesar, who had been evading law enforcement authorities following the murder of two Muslim youths in Haryana, has been apprehended by the Haryana Police.
Manesar is also among the primary suspects in inciting communal violence in Nuh, Haryana, which resulted in the deaths of at least six people in July.
The incident that thrust Monu Manesar into the spotlight occurred in February, when Nasir, aged 25, and Junaid, aged 35, both residents of a village in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district, were allegedly abducted by cow vigilantes on February 15.
Their lifeless bodies were discovered inside a charred car in Loharu, Haryana's Bhiwani district, the following day.
Sources within the Haryana Police have revealed that Manesar was taken into custody on Tuesday, although under bailable sections of the Information Technology Act. It is anticipated that he may secure bail later today, following which the Rajasthan Police will assume custody to pursue charges in the double-murder case.
Monu Manesar's notoriety extends beyond the murder case, as he stands accused of fomenting violence in Nuh, Haryana, during a 'Jal Abhishek Yatra' organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad in late July.
The unrest initially erupted on July 31, during the procession, and swiftly spread to nearby areas, including Gurugram.
The catalyst for the communal clashes was reportedly the rumours surrounding Manesar's attendance at the Yatra, which had circulated prior to the event. Manesar, who had been on the run due to the murder charges, had posted a video days before the procession, hinting at his intention to participate and encouraging his supporters to join in significant numbers.
This video purportedly incensed some members of the Muslim community, who perceived it as a threat, leading to heated exchanges on social media platforms, and escalating tensions in the region.