A harrowing case of assault has emerged from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, where two men were captured on video brutally attacking a young woman in broad daylight. The incident, which took place on December 14, saw the perpetrators, identified as Vipul Yadav and Sanjay Nishad, pulling the girl’s hair, beating her, and attempting to drag her to their residence. Despite her desperate cries for help, bystanders initially failed to intervene. The video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting swift police action. Both accused were arrested shortly after.
Public Assault in Broad Daylight
The shocking footage shows the young woman screaming in pain as Yadav yanked her hair while Nishad stood guard, preventing others from helping. According to the victim’s account, the men misbehaved with her and attempted to take her to their home forcibly. Nishad reportedly shoved away a few women who tried to intervene.
The horrifying incident occurred in the presence of several bystanders, many of whom chose to ignore the situation rather than step in to assist. The girl later narrated her ordeal to the media, stating, “Unhone mujhe maara aur badtameezi bhi kar rahe the” (They hit me and misbehaved). The attackers also kicked, slapped, and punched her during the altercation.
Police Action Following Viral Video
After the video surfaced online and gained widespread attention, the Kanpur police took immediate action. Local authorities retrieved additional CCTV footage from a nearby shop that corroborated the video evidence. Both Yadav and Nishad were arrested and are currently in custody.
This incident highlights the recurring safety issues for women in Kanpur. It highlights a 2013 report by The Times of India, which stated that the city lacked safe passage for women. Unfortunately, despite the passage of over a decade, such incidents indicate a lack of substantial progress in ensuring women’s safety.
Legal Implications for the Accused
The assault on the young woman is a serious criminal offense under Indian law. Yadav and Nishad are likely to face charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 354: Assault or criminal force to outrage the modesty of a woman.
- Section 323: Voluntarily causing hurt.
- Section 341: Wrongful restraint.
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation.
Additionally, if any evidence of attempted abduction is established, Section 363 (kidnapping) may also apply. Conviction under these sections can lead to imprisonment ranging from one year to seven years, along with fines.
Ongoing Women’s Safety Concerns in Kanpur
This incident comes just days after another brutal case in Kanpur, where a 17-year-old Dalit girl lost her life following sexual assault. The accused, an 18-year-old youth, confessed to his crime, and the victim was found in a semi-nude state near evidence of “sex enhancement drugs.”
These back-to-back cases underscore the alarming frequency of crimes against women in the region. Despite years of campaigns and reforms, systemic issues persist, leaving women vulnerable in public spaces.
The Heinous Nature of the Crime
The actions of the accused in this case reflect a disturbing level of brutality and disregard for human dignity. Dragging a woman on a public street, physically assaulting her, and attempting to abduct her are not just criminal acts but also an attack on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. Such acts erode public confidence in the safety of women and demand strict legal repercussions to serve as a deterrent.