A tourism official in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh was caught on camera on June 30, brutally beating up a female co-worker. Her crime? She asked him to wear a mask as a COVID-19 protection. The video went viral in India sparking an outrage on Twitter, following which the government official was, reportedly, suspended from service.
In the incident that took place in Nellore, the accused, named Bhaskar, was seen brutally dragging, punching, and kicking the person of determination, before attacking her repeatedly, with an object that looks like an iron rod. Their colleagues ran to her rescue, but he seemed uncontrollable.
Reportedly, Bhaskar, who is the deputy manager of a hotel under the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department, in Nellore, got angry after the woman employee asked him to wear his mask.
Sharing the video and tagging authorities, tweep @krishna0302 posted: "Shocking video! Only because she asked him to wear a mask, #AndhraPradesh tourism dept dy mgr Bhaskar beats up contract worker Usha with an iron rod in the office. Incident in #Nellore district on Saturday. The woman, a differently-abled, filed a police complaint."
Thousands of shocked Twitter users shared the video making it viral.
Tweep @waz0027 posted: "Shocking beyond belief. Our conscience as a society is dead."
And, @RaunakRK tweeted: "Can’t tell what’s more horrifying. The act itself or three men that ‘escort’ this goon away and the fourth that just gets on with his day. Not one goes up to the injured woman to check on her. Ridiculous. Should be arrested immediately."
The accused was arrested by the local police after the victim lodged a complaint.
The Nellore police said the official was booked under Indian Penal Code Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 355 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person) and 324 (Voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means).
"The accused was arrested and is being sent in judicial remand. Nellore district police are extremely sensitive to any violation or crime against women. Women safety is our top priority," the police department tweeted.
Twitter users have urged authorities to take strict and immediate action against the perpetrator.
Twitter user @Swatis_CK wrote: "Please don't spare him with some penalty and few years of jail. This is just not acceptable and such sick minds should be sent to right place. Please put him in an asylum and ensure that he is treated and punished well. No mercy please."
