YouTuber brutally thrashes woman with sticks, fists in MP’s Sidhi, booked after video triggers outrage

BHOPAL: A video allegedly showing a woman being assaulted in a crowded market in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district has sparked political controversy. Police have registered a case against the accused, while the Congress has accused ruling party leaders of failing to protect women. The incident took place on Sunday in the Bahri market area. The woman alleged that Santosh Pathak, identified by police as a YouTuber, abused and beat her with sticks and fists. A video of the assault circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism. According to the complaint, the woman runs a roadside stall and claimed that Pathak had earlier forced the removal of her stall from its spot. The dispute resurfaced around 10 am on Sunday and escalated into a physical fight. Police said the woman also attempted to hit Pathak with a slipper during the argument. Bahri police station in-charge Rajesh Pandey told TOI that a case has been registered based on the woman's complaint and the viral video is being examined. Meanwhile, MP Congress president Jitu Patwari accused BJP leaders of targeting women and demanded strict action, urging Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to intervene. Police said further action will depend on the outcome of the investigation.