‘Arrest Monu Manesar’ trends on Twitter: Who is this ‘gau rakshak’ and why is the Bajrang Dal member on the news?

#ArrestMonuManesar is trending on Twitter as numerous users are demanding the arrest of the Bajrang Dal leader, accused of kidnapping and killing two suspected cow smugglers called Junaid and Nasir in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur. This is, however, not the first time Manesar has been accused of murder. He is presently on the run.

Who is Monu Manesar?

Monu, an active member of the Bajrang Dal, has risen to prominence over the course of the past five years as a leading figure in the cow protection task force implemented by the Haryana government in Gurgaon. As per reports, He is also known as Mohit Yadav.

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With a notable presence and involvement in safeguarding the interests of cows, Monu has become a recognisable face within this initiative, garnering attention and recognition for his dedication to the cause.

What does the chargesheet say?

The chargesheet filed by the Rajasthan police in the murder case has named 27 individuals, including Monu Manesar of Bajrang Dal, as suspects in the case. The chargesheet, which has been accessed by The Quint, reveals that the police investigation indicates the involvement of a team of cow vigilantes, led by Rinku, who intercepted Junaid and Nasir at Piruka village.

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Suspecting them of cow smuggling, the vigilantes confronted the victims and demanded to see the cows. However, no cows were found. Subsequently, a group including Monu Manesar, Gogi, Vikas Arya, Vishal Javli, Kalu Kaithal, Shashikant, Shivam, Kishore, and Badal Pingawan allegedly subjected Junaid and Nasir to severe assault. Rinku Saini, who provided information and planned the operation, was also in contact with the assailants.

Support for Monu Manesar

In a significant development, a Hindu mahapanchayat was organised in Manesar to express support for Monu Manesar, one of the accused in the murder case. 

The gathering, attended by hundreds of people, labelled Monu Manesar, who has a history of criminal offences, as "innocent" in the recent murder case. Speakers at the mahapanchayat issued warnings to the police, cautioning them against entering Monu Manesar's village.

On social media, too, several people are extending their support for the ‘gau rakshak’, accused of burning Junaid and Nasir alive.