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A viral video from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has ignited widespread outrage on social media, shedding light on the alarming issue of domestic violence and elder abuse in India. The CCTV footage, shared by X user @KraantiKumar on April 4, 2025, captures a harrowing incident where a woman is seen brutally assaulting her mother-in-law, while her husband is attacked by his father-in-law and others. The post, which has garnered significant attention, highlights the complexities of familial conflicts, the misuse of legal provisions, and the urgent need for addressing domestic violence in Indian society.
The Incident: A Violent Family Dispute Caught on Camera
The incident took place in Adarsh Colony, Gwalior, on April 1, 2025, as reported by NDTV (web ID: 0). According to the victim’s family, the daughter-in-law, enraged over her mother-in-law’s refusal to be sent to an old-age home, called her father and other individuals to the house. The CCTV footage, timestamped at 13:56:51, shows a man in a yellow shirt, identified as the father-in-law, entering the house and slapping Vishal Batra, the husband. As Vishal attempts to retaliate, more individuals barge in, escalating the violence.
In a second clip, the daughter-in-law is seen dragging her mother-in-law by the hair and thrashing her on the floor, while a child witnesses the ordeal. The Hindi caption on the footage reads, “बहुका एक और कोफनाक वीडियो” (Another horrific video of a daughter-in-law), emphasizing the brutality of the act. Vishal Batra later told NDTV, “I am being harassed a lot. I can’t take it anymore. They called goons, and her father and brother thrashed us. How can someone beat a woman? Now they are threatening to kill us.
The X post by @KraantiKumar states that the daughter-in-law wanted her mother-in-law to be sent to an old-age home, but the son stood by his mother, leading to the violent retaliation from the daughter-in-law’s family. The post also notes the presence of a grandchild witnessing the abuse, raising questions about the long-term psychological impact on the child.
Social Media Reactions: Outrage and Calls for Justice
The video quickly went viral on X, sparking a heated discussion among users. @KraantiKumar’s post, which has been viewed and shared widely, condemns the daughter-in-law’s actions, stating, “बहु रानियों का आतंक बढ़ते जा रहा है. 498 एक्ट, मेंटेनेंस और अलिमोनी का डर दिखाकर पत्नियां, पति और सास ससुर पर अत्याचार कर रही हैं” (The terror of daughters-in-law is increasing. Wives are torturing husbands and in-laws by threatening them with Section 498A, maintenance, and alimony). The user also questions the future actions of the grandchild who witnessed the abuse, asking, “पोता दादी को पीटते हुए देख रहा है, बड़ा होने पर क्या वो अपनी दादी का बदला लेगा या नही ?” (The grandson is watching his grandmother being beaten; will he take revenge for her when he grows up?).
Other users echoed similar sentiments. @Pawankumar_1305 blamed the daughter-in-law’s parents for failing to instill proper values, writing, “ऐसी पत्नियों के ऐसे कर्मों के लिए पूर्ण रूप से इनके माता पिता जिम्मेदार हैं” (The parents of such wives are fully responsible for their actions). The user called for strict action against both the daughter-in-law and her parents, tagging authorities like the Prime Minister’s Office (@PMOIndia) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (@UN_HRC). @sanjuuYadav_ expressed dismay at the state of the world, lamenting, “हाय रे दुनिया तू इतनी निष्ठुर कैसे हो गईं 🥲” (Oh world, how did you become so cruel?).
However, some users also pointed to systemic issues. @MSRadhey4U reposted the video, reiterating the misuse of laws like Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with matrimonial cruelty but is often criticized for being exploited in domestic disputes.
The Broader Context: Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse in India
This incident is not an isolated one but a reflection of deeper societal issues in India, where domestic violence and elder abuse are alarmingly prevalent. According to a 2023 report by Sputnik News (web ID: 6), one in every six senior citizens globally faces abuse, with the prevalence of elder abuse in India ranging between 9.6% and 61.7% across different states. Many cases go unreported due to stigma and fear of familial backlash.The Gwalior incident also highlights the misuse of legal provisions like Section 498A IPC, which was introduced to protect women from matrimonial cruelty (web ID: 1).
While the law has been a crucial tool for addressing domestic violence against women, critics argue that it is sometimes misused to settle personal scores, as suggested by @KraantiKumar. Section 498A is a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offense, meaning arrests can be made without a warrant, and the accused cannot easily settle the case out of court. This has led to debates about balancing the protection of women with preventing the law’s misuse against in-laws.
Legal and Social Implications
The Gwalior incident raises critical questions about the enforcement of laws protecting both women and the elderly. India has several legal provisions to combat domestic violence, including the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and sections like 498A and 304B (dowry death) of the IPC (web ID: 3). However, the enforcement of these laws often varies, and cultural biases that perpetuate domestic violence persist.For elder abuse, the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, provides legal recourse, but awareness and implementation remain limited. The Better India (web ID: 2) highlights that while helplines and legal experts can mediate disputes, many cases do not result in formal FIRs due to the sensitive nature of family conflicts.
The Psychological Impact on Children
A particularly disturbing aspect of the Gwalior incident is the presence of a child witnessing the violence. Research shows that children exposed to domestic violence are at a higher risk of developing emotional and behavioral issues, including anxiety, depression, and aggression. @KraantiKumar’s question about whether the grandson will seek revenge in the future underscores the potential long-term consequences of such trauma.
A Call for Action
The Gwalior incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence and elder abuse in India. While legal frameworks exist, their implementation must be strengthened, and cultural attitudes that normalize violence within families must be challenged. Social media platforms like X play a crucial role in amplifying such incidents, but they also highlight the polarized narratives around gender and family dynamics.
To prevent such tragedies, a multi-pronged approach is necessary: increasing awareness about elder rights, ensuring fair application of laws like Section 498A, and providing counseling and mediation services for families in conflict. Above all, fostering empathy and respect within families is essential to break the cycle of violence.
As the Gwalior case continues to spark debates online, it serves as a wake-up call for society to confront the hidden epidemic of domestic violence and elder abuse, ensuring that no one—whether a woman, an elderly person, or a child—suffers in silence.