Newsroom, February 10, 2026: A disturbing video from Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district has sparked outrage after Santosh Pathak allegedly assaulted a woman street vendor in public.
The incident occurred on February 8 inthe Bahri village market area, stemming from a long-standing dispute over stall placement. Reports indicate Pathak punched, kicked, and beat the victim, Hema Singh, with a stick while bystanders watched.
Police registered an FIR within hours under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for assault, intimidation, and related charges. Both Pathak and another accused, Rahul Dwivedi, are absconding, with search teams deployed.
Authorities describe it as a case of sudden provocation rather than political motive, though opposition parties have highlighted it as part of broader concerns over women's safety under the ruling government.
