Family assaulted in Laxmi Nagar gym dispute one arrested

Brutal Assault on Businessman and Family in East Delhi

A series of videos showing the brutal assault of a 52-year-old businessman and his family has shocked the Capital. The incident occurred between 3:30 PM and 4:15 PM on January 2 in Laxmi Nagar, east Delhi. It allegedly stemmed from a dispute over the ownership of a gym in the basement of the family’s residential building.

Details of the Incident

The victim was seen being dragged out of his house and beaten in one of the CCTV videos.

On Monday, police arrested one suspect, 45-year-old Satish Yadav, also known as Pintoo. Three others—Shubham Yadav, Vikas Yadav, and Omkar Yadav—are named in the first information report (FIR) and are currently absconding. It is unclear where Satish was arrested or why the others were not caught at the scene.

Video Evidence and Public Reaction

The videos, recorded by CCTV cameras at the victims’ house, surfaced on Monday and circulated on social media. They raised concerns about law enforcement’s response, as the attackers seemed unfazed even after police arrived.

One video shows a black Mahindra Thar speeding towards the house, allegedly ramming into the front wall. The family claimed the vehicle stopped just inches from the businessman.

Another video shows a group of men exiting the vehicles and assaulting the businessman and his wife.

Assault on the Son

In two additional clips, the attackers drag the couple’s 26-year-old son from their flat, strip him naked, and kick him while hitting his face with a shoe. The son pleads for mercy as bystanders watch.

The assault appears to stop when two police officers arrive. However, the attackers casually converse with the officers and flee. They even attempt to drag the victim back when he tries to put on his trousers, but one officer intervenes.

HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the three video clips.

Victim’s Family Statements

The businessman’s wife claimed her husband was also stripped and beaten with an iron rod inside the gym. She stated that she was sexually assaulted as well.

She described the incident as deeply humiliating, saying, “My son was assaulted naked. He kept pleading with folded hands…people were watching. Is this less than a rape?”

In 2016, the family hired Pintoo as a caretaker for their gym. She alleged that he took over the business and refused to leave, despite multiple legal notices since September last year.

Events Leading to the Assault

On Friday afternoon, the family noticed water flooding their ground floor. When they asked Pintoo to unlock the gym, he did not respond. “As the property belongs to us, we went to remove the lock,” she said. “That’s when Pintoo and the others arrived.”

She added, “They started assaulting my husband. When I tried to save him, they slapped me and kicked me. They pulled my hair and pushed me, causing me to fall.”

While she sought help at the Laxmi Nagar police station, the attackers dragged her son out and continued the assault.

Police Response and Medical Reports

Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania stated that police arrived after receiving a call about a quarrel and took the family to Hedgewar Hospital for medical examination.

The FIR indicates that the businessman suffered swelling on the left side of his face, difficulty opening his mouth, and multiple contusions. His son had multiple bruises on his back and face. The woman’s report noted bruises on her right hand and little finger.

Legal Actions Taken

The family’s statements were recorded the same day, and a case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These include sections for voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal trespass, and sexual harassment.

“One accused, Satish Yadav, 45, was arrested. Other accused are at large at present. Continuous efforts are being made to apprehend the other accused persons,” said Dhania.

Summary of the Incident