In the latest public outrage from Madhya Pradesh, a viral video of BJP leader Santosh Pathak Assaulting a woman with a stick in Sidhi’s Sihawal Assembly constituency has ignited fierce political criticism and serious questions about law enforcement — and as of now, there is no filed FIR against him despite widespread calls for one.
This report presents verified facts, political reactions, legal context, and the larger implications — grounded in the most recent and credible reporting available.
What Happened? The Core Facts of the Santosh Pathak Video
On 8 February 2026, multiple mainstream Indian news outlets reported that a disturbing video showing a local BJP leader identified as Santosh Pathak violently assaulting a woman in broad daylight in Sidhi district, Madhya Pradesh, went viral on social media.
According to verified descriptions of the footage:
- The video shows Pathak repeatedly striking a woman with a stick and dragging her by her hair, with repeated physical blows including lathi (stick) strikes and kicks.
- At times, the woman is physically thrown to the ground and beaten in full public view.
- Bystanders are seen present but do not intervene in what appears to be an extended altercation between the two.
- Reports also claim there was an underlying local dispute (e.g., over a “gumthi” plot — essentially grazing/commons land) that may have triggered the confrontation.
Multiple outlets (including Free Press Journal, Punjab Kesari, Lalluram.com and AajKiJandhara.com) confirm the identity of the individual in the video as Santosh Pathak, described as a local BJP leader in the Sihawal area.
Immediate Aftermath: Outrage, Political Criticism, and No FIR Yet
Opposition Demands Action
The most prominent political reaction came from the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee:
- MPCC president Jitu Patwari went public on X (formerly Twitter), condemning the footage and demanding immediate registration of an FIR, while highlighting concerns about growing violence against women by public figures.
Another Congress legislator, Dr. Vikrant Bhuria, criticised the state government directly — pointing out the stark contrast between BJP’s frequent invocation of women’s welfare schemes (like “Ladli Behna”) and the visual reality of the assault captured on video.
No Official FIR Filed Yet
As of the latest verified reporting, police have not publicly confirmed the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against Santosh Pathak — even though the footage is circulating widely and political leaders have publicly demanded it.
This gap has fueled criticism from the opposition, with calls for Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav (who also holds the Home portfolio) to personally ensure that proper legal action and a serious investigation are undertaken.
There has been no official response from either Madhya Pradesh Police or the BJP confirming whether an FIR has been registered, specific charges are being drafted, or any arrest has been made.
Why This Matters: Law, Politics and Public Confidence
1. Gender Violence and Political Accountability
India’s criminal law system under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) specifies severe penalties for assaulting a woman and for acts that can constitute cruelty or bodily harm — especially when the victim is a civilian with no provable criminal role. An assault in public that’s captured clearly on video could carry charges under:
- IPC Section 323 — voluntarily causing hurt
- IPC Section 354 — assault or criminal force against a woman
- IPC Section 506 — criminal intimidation (if threats are part of the conduct)
Yet delays or absence of FIR filing can severely undermine public confidence in the rule of law, especially when the accused is a politically connected individual.
2. Political Optics Ahead of Elections
Madhya Pradesh is a tightly contested state with elections looming. Violence against women — particularly by public figures — is a potent political issue that can sway voters’ perceptions of both governance and the moral credibility of political parties.
Opposition parties are using this incident to argue that:
- Women’s safety is not adequately protected under current BJP governance in MP.
- Promises around women’s empowerment campaigns are hollow when contrasted with real incidents involving party members.
Local Context: Sidhi and BJP Leadership
Sidhi district — part of the larger Vindhya region — is a traditional stronghold for the BJP at both state and national levels. Lok Sabha representation was recently taken by Rajesh Mishra (BJP) after Riti Pathak completed her term.
However, local dynamics can be very different from state-level leadership narratives — especially in rural constituencies where personal disputes and land-related disagreements (including communal grazing grounds called “gumthis”) can escalate into legal and political flashpoints.
Public Reaction and Civil Society Concerns
Social media users and activists have condemned the footage not just as a moral outrage but as a symptom of broader law enforcement weaknesses. Many commentators question:
- Why bystanders did not intervene.
- Why a political actor appears unaccountable in a public space.
- Why the police and state government have not yet confirmed an FIR or taken action against the alleged assailant.
These reactions reflect public frustration with inconsistent enforcement of criminal justice, particularly relating to violence against women.
Legal and Administrative Expectations
What Should Happen Next
If we look at standard legal practice in India:
- Police should register the FIR immediately once a cognizable offense (like assault on a woman) is reported or known through credible evidence such as a viral video.
- The investigation should be assigned to a senior officer right away, with a clear timeline for progress (e.g., collection of statements, recording of victim testimony, and potential arrest if evidence warrants).
- Political neutrality must be maintained by law enforcement authorities, irrespective of the accused person’s political affiliation.
So far, there is no official public record that all these steps have been completed.
Conclusion: A Viral Video, a Legal Dilemma, and a Political Crossroads
The Santosh Pathak video case encapsulates something much bigger than one altercation caught on camera. It strikes at the heart of:
- Law and order enforcement in politically sensitive regions,
- Public expectations for the safety and dignity of women, and
- Political accountability in the face of clear, potentially criminal behavior by a local leader.
Right now, the absence of a formal FIR and clear legal action — despite the viral nature of the video and political demands — stands as the central unresolved issue.
The next few days will be decisive. If law enforcement agencies act swiftly and transparently, it could restore some public faith in the system. If not, this incident may become a defining fault line ahead of key state elections in Madhya Pradesh.
