Many of us grew up hearing stories that taught us the dangers of greed. But the real-life story of Bhanwari Devi, which shook the entire nation, is a stark reminder that unchecked ambition and desire for power can lead to devastating consequences.

Who Was Bhanwari Devi?

Bhanwari Devi was an ordinary nurse earning only 8,000 rupees a month at a government hospital near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. However, she harbored dreams of becoming a star in Rajasthani cinema, and often skipped work to pursue her passion for singing and dancing in music albums. Eventually, repeated complaints about her absenteeism led to her dismissal from the hospital.

Rise to Power

After losing her job, Bhanwari Devi approached her local MLA, Malkhan Singh, pleading for help to get her job back. Malkhan Singh took her to Mahipal Maderna, the state’s Water Resources Minister. Suddenly, Bhanwari Devi, an ordinary nurse, found herself in direct contact with powerful politicians. Thanks to their intervention, she was reinstated in her job, and this newfound influence gave her a taste of power.

Over the next two years, Bhanwari Devi became closely associated with both Malkhan Singh and Mahipal Maderna. Her lifestyle changed dramatically—she now drove a Maruti Swift, her children attended expensive schools in Jaipur, and she distanced herself from her husband, Amarchand.

Ambition Turns Dangerous

By 2011, Bhanwari Devi’s ambitions had grown. She wanted to contest elections and demanded a ticket to run for MLA from her political patrons. When both politicians refused, she threatened to expose them with a CD containing compromising footage of herself with Mahipal Maderna. She claimed that releasing the CD could bring down the state government.

A deal was struck: Bhanwari would hand over the CD in exchange for 60 lakh rupees. She was asked to deliver the CD, and arrangements were made through Sohan Bishnoi, a close associate of the politicians. On September 1, 2011, Bhanwari Devi went to deliver the CD, believing she would receive the money. Instead, she was met by a contract killer named Shabuddin, disguised as “Raju Bhai,” who, with the help of accomplices, murdered her by suffocation.

The Aftermath and Investigation

For twelve days, no missing person’s report was filed. Amarchand, her husband, later claimed he thought she was away for a shoot, as she often was. On September 13, he finally reported her missing and named Mahipal Maderna as a suspect. The case quickly attracted national media attention, especially after the infamous CD surfaced, showing Mahipal Maderna and Bhanwari Devi in intimate situations.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case under intense public and political pressure. Over time, multiple arrests were made, including that of Mahipal Maderna. It was also revealed that Malkhan Singh’s sister, Indira Bishnoi, played a role in the creation of the CD, hoping to use it to advance her brother’s political career.

Shockingly, Amarchand was also implicated, having allegedly been paid to ensure he wasn’t with Bhanwari on the day of her murder. In total, 17 people were accused, and 298 witnesses were listed. The last major arrest was Indira Bishnoi in 2017, six years after the crime.

Unresolved Justice

Despite the sensational nature of the case, as of now, there has been no conclusive verdict. Several accused have been released on bail, and both Mahipal Maderna and Bhanwari Devi have since passed away. The remains of Bhanwari Devi were found months after her murder, with forensic assistance from the FBI.

A Cautionary Tale

The Bhanwari Devi case is a grim illustration of how greed and the pursuit of power can destroy lives. An ordinary woman’s ambition led her into the dangerous world of politics, ultimately costing her everything. The case remains a stark reminder of the dark side of ambition and the tragic consequences it can bring.