In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, a shocking incident occurred where a soldier from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) violently attacked a couple who sold vegetables. The couple, Radheshyam and Geeta Devi, were left bleeding on the street after the soldier, identified as Ashutosh Kumar, struck them with a rod during an argument about the price of vegetables. Witnesses to the attack reported that as they protested the violence, the PAC soldier turned on them as well, showcasing a concerning abuse of power by a law enforcement officer.

The attack took place near Bhoolanpur village in the Madawari police jurisdiction. Radheshyam and Geeta Devi had been operating their vegetable stall for the past two years when the altercation occurred around 6 PM on a Saturday. The dispute between the PAC soldier and Radheshyam escalated quickly, resulting in the violent act that drew the attention of bystanders who were also threatened when they tried to intervene. The couple was hospitalized in serious condition, raising alarms about the level of violence that residents face from those who are supposed to protect them.

This incident points to broader concerns regarding the conduct of police and paramilitary forces in India, where reports of excessive use of force have emerged in various instances. As the injured couple recuperates in the hospital, community members are calling for accountability and justice, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to behave appropriately and uphold the law they are sworn to protect. This case has sparked outrage and questions over how authority is utilized in moments of personal dispute, especially in communities where power dynamics are heavily skewed against the common citizen.