Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Barmer Collector Withdraws Republic Day Award
A man named Dinesh Manju was given an award for his work in wildlife conservation on Republic Day in Barmer, Rajasthan.
However, an MLA named Ritu Banawat said Manju made a fake video of her and shared it online.
She complained, and the award was taken back.
The officials who gave the award are also being investigated.
Manju's name was on a list of 113 people honored for their contributions.
The event was attended by important people like the district collector and a minister.
Dinesh Manju, accused of creating a deepfake video of MLA Ritu Banawat, was awarded for wildlife conservation on Republic Day.
MLA Ritu Banawat objected, leading to the withdrawal of Manju's award and an inquiry into the officials responsible.
Manju's accomplices were arrested, but he remains absconding.
The award was presented at a district-level function attended by high-ranking officials.
Banawat expressed concern over the treatment of women and demanded accountability from the administration.
- Who
- Dinesh Manju (main accused) and Independent MLA Ritu Banawat (complainant)
- What
- Withdrawal of Republic Day award due to deepfake controversy
- When
- Award withdrawn on Thursday night following the event on January 26
- Where
- Barmer district, Rajasthan
- Why
- Allegations of creating and circulating a deepfake video involving MLA Ritu Banawat
- Awarded Individual
- Dinesh Manju
- Award Type
- Republic Day honour for wildlife conservation
- Complainant
- Independent MLA Ritu Banawat
- Allegation
- Creation and circulation of a deepfake video
- Action Taken
- Award withdrawn, inquiry ordered
- Number of Honourees
- 113
- Event Location
- Adarsh Stadium, Barmer
- Key Attendees
- Minister K.K. Bishnoi, Collector Tina Dabi, SP Narendra Singh Meena
