NHAI has taken action against 3 of its employees after BJP leader obscene video goes viral and allegations of blackmail
The National Highways Authority of India NHAI has taken action against three employees accused of leaking and circulating an obscene video involving Manoharlal Dhakad, a local politician from Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, who is allegedly linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The video, recorded on May 13, 2025, by a toll plaza CCTV camera on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, showed Dhakad engaging in obscene acts with a woman in a public place. It was reportedly leaked from the expressway’s control room, leading to the dismissal of the three NHAI employees involved.
Mandsaur police arrested Dhakad on May 25, 2025, following the video going viral, charging him under sections 296 (obscene act in public), 285 (obstructing public way), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He was granted bail by a court on May 26, 2025.
The police are also investigating the role of the NHAI control room staff, suspecting possible blackmail attempts, as reports suggest the employees demanded money from Dhakad for eight days before leaking the video when no agreement was reached. The BJP has distanced itself from Dhakad, with Mandsaur BJP District President Rajesh Dixit clarifying that he is not a primary member of the party, though his wife, Sohan Bai, is a BJP-backed district panchayat member.
The woman in the video is reportedly a government school teacher, and claims of blackmail or coercion are under investigation.
The incident involving Manoharlal Dhakad, a local politician from Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), centers on a controversial video that surfaced and led to significant legal and administrative actions.
Below is a comprehensive explanation of the matter based on available information:
Background of the Incident
On May 13, 2025, a CCTV camera at a toll plaza on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), recorded a video allegedly showing Manoharlal Dhakad engaging in obscene acts with a woman in a public place. The woman is reported to be a government school teacher. The video was captured in the control room of the toll plaza, which is under NHAI’s jurisdiction.
Leak and Circulation of the Video
The video was reportedly leaked by three NHAI employees who had access to the CCTV footage in the control room. According to reports, these employees allegedly attempted to blackmail Dhakad, demanding money to suppress the video. When no agreement was reached after eight days of negotiations, the employees circulated the video, which subsequently went viral on social media platforms. The leak sparked widespread public and media attention due to Dhakad’s alleged political connections and the sensitive nature of the content.
Action Against NHAI Employees
Following the video’s circulation, NHAI took swift action against the three employees involved in leaking the footage. The employees were dismissed from their positions for their role in the unauthorized release of the video. This action was taken to address the breach of protocol and misuse of CCTV footage, which is intended for security and operational purposes only. The exact details of the administrative process leading to their dismissal, such as whether they were contract or permanent staff, are not fully specified in available reports.
Legal Action Against Manoharlal Dhakad
On May 25, 2025, Mandsaur police arrested Dhakad in response to the viral video. He was charged under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s new criminal law framework:
● Section 296: For committing an obscene act in a public place.
● Section 285: For obstructing a public way.
● Section 3(5): For acts committed with a common intention.
Dhakad was presented before a local court, which granted him bail on May 26, 2025. The police are continuing their investigation, particularly focusing on whether the video’s circulation involved elements of blackmail or coercion by the NHAI employees or others.
Political Context and BJP’s Response
Manoharlal Dhakad’s alleged association with the BJP added a political dimension to the controversy. However, the BJP’s Mandsaur District President, Rajesh Dixit, clarified that Dhakad is not a primary member of the party, effectively distancing the BJP from the scandal.
It was noted that Dhakad’s wife, Sohan Bai, is a BJP-backed district panchayat member, which may have contributed to perceptions of his affiliation with the party. The BJP’s response was aimed at mitigating any political fallout from the incident, especially given the public’s sensitivity to moral and ethical conduct by political figures.
Investigation into Blackmail Allegations
The police are investigating the possibility that the NHAI employees attempted to extort money from Dhakad before leaking the video. Reports suggest the employees demanded payment for eight days, and the video was made public only after these demands were unmet.
Additionally, there are unverified claims that the woman in the video may have been coerced, though no conclusive evidence has been reported to confirm this. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of any criminal conspiracy, including whether others were involved in the video’s circulation.
Social and Ethical Implications
The incident has raised several concerns:
● Misuse of CCTV Footage: The leak highlights vulnerabilities in the management of surveillance systems at public infrastructure like toll plazas, raising questions about privacy and the ethical use of such footage.
● Public Conduct of Public Figures: Dhakad’s actions, captured in a public place, have drawn criticism for inappropriate behavior, particularly given his reported political connections.
● Blackmail and Extortion: The alleged attempt to extort money underscores the potential for abuse of sensitive material by those with access to it.
● Impact on Involved Parties: The woman in the video, identified as a government school teacher, faces potential professional and personal repercussions. The investigation will likely clarify her role and whether she was a victim of coercion.
● Current Status
As of May 27, 2025, the key developments are:
● NHAI Employees: The three employees have been sacked, and their role in the video leak is under police scrutiny.
● Manoharlal Dhakad: He is out on bail but remains under investigation for the charges filed against him.
● Ongoing Investigation: The Mandsaur police are probing the blackmail angle, the circumstances of the video’s recording, and the involvement of any additional parties.
● Public Discourse: The incident has fueled discussions on social media and in local media about privacy, public conduct, and the accountability of those in positions of power or access.