In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a middle-aged woman was tied to a pole and mercilessly thrashed by members of a family in Patiala district of Punjab, allegedly over a dispute involving her son. The barbaric act, which took place in Jansuha village on April 4, came to light after a video of the assault went viral on social media platforms, prompting swift police action and the intervention of the Punjab State Women Commission.

The woman, who is said to be in her late forties, alleged in her complaint that a family from her locality accosted her while she was on her way to a nearby location. The assailants — believed to be enraged over the disappearance of their daughter-in-law — tied her to a pole, beat her up in full public view, and tore her clothes, demanding the whereabouts of her 18-year-old son. 

According to the victim, the attackers accused her son of luring away their daughter-in-law, a married woman and mother of two children. Despite her repeated pleas and assertions that she had no knowledge of her son’s location, the family allegedly continued to subject her to physical and verbal abuse. She even reportedly offered to help find her son, but her appeals fell on deaf ears.

The woman was eventually rescued by the local police after someone alerted the authorities.

Police Crackdown: Two Arrested, More to Follow

The Sadar Police Station in Rajpura has registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to assault, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation. Two accused, identified as Kuldeep and Bittu, have been arrested. Police teams are actively pursuing other individuals involved in the crime, said a senior official from Patiala police.

“The incident is being investigated thoroughly. Two persons have already been arrested, and further arrests will be made soon. We are treating this case with utmost seriousness,” the official added.

Women Panel Swings Into Action

The incident has drawn the immediate attention of the Punjab State Women Commission, which took suo motu cognizance of the matter following media reports and the disturbing video clip circulating online.

Commission’s chairperson Raj Lali Gill, expressing grave concern over the incident, directed Patiala Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to submit an action taken report by April 7. She also instructed that an officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police be deputed to conduct an impartial and comprehensive inquiry.

Exercising its authority under Section 12 of the Punjab State Women Commission Act, 2001, the Commission has also sought an urgent response from the police, warning of stringent action against those found guilty of harassing or intimidating the woman. “The Commission will not tolerate any form of intimidation, harassment or violation of women’s rights. Justice must not only be done but be seen to be done,” Gill said, assuring that the panel is committed to protecting women's dignity and ensuring that such shameful acts are not repeated.

The brutality of the assault has evoked anger from several quarters. Civil society groups, women’s rights activists, and netizens have condemned the incident, calling for exemplary punishment to the perpetrators. “This is nothing short of mob justice. The woman was not even accused of any crime — she was simply the mother of a boy they believed had eloped with a woman. How can society condone such acts?” said Simran Bedi, a Patiala-based social activist.

Several human rights organizations have also urged the police to register additional charges under Section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman) of the IPC, given the public humiliation and violence meted out to the victim.

Timeline of Events

April 4: Woman tied to pole and assaulted in Jansuha village

April 5: Video of the incident goes viral on social media

April 6: Police register FIR, arrest 2 accused

April 6: Punjab Women panel takes suo motu cognizance

April 7: Women panel sets deadline for Patiala SSP to submit action taken report