Monu Manesar is again in the news. This time, the context is the communal violence across parts of Haryana. Just months ago, the lack of tough police action against him had seen public anger spill onto the streets in Nuh – after two Muslim men were allegedly abducted and set ablaze by antisocial and criminal elements.

Despite two FIRs against him in at least two states, Monu, a member of Haryana’s cow protection force, has continued to appear on news channels. State governments have passed the buck on inaction against him. But how has Monu come this far? What’s been his modus operandi?

Newslaundry now has exclusive footage, a fly-on-the-wall account of the actions of Monu and his gang: their network of informers, GPS devices, modified vehicles, and support systems. Does the state back them? Who are their mentors? How do they sustain themselves?

The answers are in a short film which will be released next week. It has been made by independent filmmakers, who trailed Monu and his accomplices for weeks between late 2021 and early 2022.

This is a crowdfunding initiative to support Newslaundry’s partnership with them to complete and release the film. It will help the makers and us cover the costs we have accrued in making this film.

Ground reports like this take time, energy, commitment and courage. And significant costs. We don’t depend on brands and advertisers. 

We hope you will incentivise such brave filmmakers to do more and not quit. Click here and contribute today!