Army Brigadier and Son Assaulted in Delhi's Vasant Vihar, Family Alleges Police Inaction
A serving Indian Army brigadier, aged 52, and his 22-year-old son sustained injuries after being assaulted by a group of men in southwest Delhi's Vasant Vihar on Saturday night. The incident occurred when the father-son duo objected to two men consuming alcohol inside a parked car near their residence.
Details of the Assault and Police Response
According to the brigadier's wife, who spoke to media, the family was out for an evening stroll around 9:45 PM when they noticed the men drinking near their society gate. When they objected, the men allegedly responded with abusive language and made remarks that outraged her modesty. The family immediately dialed the police helpline 112, and a PCR vehicle arrived at the scene by 10:15 PM.
However, the situation escalated dramatically in the presence of police personnel. The woman claimed that the car occupants spoke to the officers and even had them talk to someone over the phone, after which no action was taken against the drinkers. She further alleged that the PCR personnel behaved improperly with her during this interaction.
Violent Escalation and Alleged Police Negligence
Soon after, two additional cars arrived at the location, and seven to eight men—allegedly associates of the original two—stepped out. "They threw my son to the ground and started beating him," the woman stated, noting that her son suffered multiple injuries. When the brigadier intervened to protect his son, he was surrounded by two to three men and assaulted as well, resulting in bruises, including on his elbow.
The assault reportedly continued for approximately 20 minutes, with the family claiming it happened in full view of the PCR personnel who did not intervene. During the attack, the accused continued to pass vulgar remarks at the woman as she tried to shield her husband and son.
Post-Assault Harassment and Delayed FIR
After the assault, the family sought assistance from the police, but were allegedly asked to sit in the boot of the PCR vehicle—a request they refused. They then proceeded to the Vasant Vihar police station in their own car. At the station, the family faced significant delays and a lack of response. Despite visible injuries, their complaint was not registered immediately.
"When we asked why a case could not be filed, we were told a medico-legal case (MLC) was first required. When we asked police to take us to hospital, they refused and were rude to us throughout. We eventually went to the military hospital ourselves, where we were examined and treated," the brigadier's wife alleged.
Legal Action and Official Responses
An FIR has been registered at the Vasant Vihar police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- Section 115 (voluntarily causing hurt)
- Section 126 (wrongful restraint)
- Section 351 (criminal intimidation)
- Section 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult modesty of a woman)
- Section 191 (rioting)
- Section 190 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object)
Police stated that a preliminary enquiry revealed lapses on the part of the investigating inspector, who has since been sent to district lines. Efforts are ongoing to trace the suspects involved in the assault.
In response to the incident, the Indian Army issued a statement via news agency ANI, saying, "The authorities in Indian Army have taken serious cognisance of the case. A military police team has been directed to assist the officer. Delhi Police has been approached for expeditious investigation and take action on priority."
This case highlights concerns about police responsiveness and public safety in the capital, with the family's allegations of inaction adding a layer of institutional scrutiny to the violent altercation.
