A horrific case of domestic abuse played out in Burari, Delhi, when Darshna (name changed) was brutally publicly assaulted by her husband, Khagendra, and father-in-law, Gulab Singh. The act, which has outraged people, involved Darshna being kicked in the abdomen, dragged along the road, and threatened with murder while onlookers stood in shock.
The Attack
As witnessed by eyewitnesses, the attack started when Khagendra physically assaulted Darshna, kicking her in the abdomen and dragging her by the hair onto the road. As she cried out for assistance, neighbors filmed the brutality, capturing Gulab Singh’s attempt to hit her with a stick. The pair threatened to kill her if she did not comply.
Neighbors’ Daring Intervention
Local people rushed to Darshna’s rescue, protecting her from further attack and giving her temporary refuge. They immediately contacted the police, who came to the scene. Traumatized by the experience and in fear of revenge, Darshna would not leave her rescuers’ protection to make a formal complaint.
Systemic Failures & Call for Justice
The incident highlights the vulnerability of India’s domestic abuse survivors, as fear of backlash and absence of prompt legal protection usually silence the victims. Activists call for swift action against the perpetrators and better mechanisms for ensuring survivor security.
