VARANASI — Gargi Patel, district president of the Samajwadi Party’s women’s wing in Uttar Pradesh’s Chandauli District, was allegedly assaulted inside her Madiya village home on Thursday, police said. An FIR has been registered against five people, including family members of a former local leader.
The attack was captured on CCTV installed at Patel’s residence in Mughalsarai Kotwali area, 30 km from Varanasi. Footage reportedly shows her being dragged by the hair, kicked, punched repeatedly, and hit with a table. She was seen bleeding with multiple injuries and is now hospitalised.
Former Kashi Vidyapeeth block head Pyarelal Yadav visited Patel’s house for a meeting over a property business they were allegedly partners in. Yadav’s wife, son, and daughter then arrived. A dispute broke out and turned violent.
The group left, returned, and resumed the assault. They allegedly tried to attack Patel’s daughter as well. An elderly family member who intervened was threatened.
Patel alleges the group barged in, first assaulted her children, then beat her with kicks, punches, a study table, and an iron rod when she intervened.
Patel said a financial dispute linked to their business partnership may be behind the attack. She also claimed “some political figures” created misunderstandings in the Yadav family, but did not name anyone.
Patel’s daughter alerted police, who took the injured leader to the district hospital. Addl SP Anant Chandra Shekhar said an FIR was registered immediately against five named accused. “All aspects of the case are being investigated,” he said, adding that police are examining CCTV footage and other evidence.
Investigation ongoing to establish sequence and motive.
