India’s NDTV reported on Monday that an Indian army soldier was beaten to death in Uttar Pradesh’s city of Meerut on Sunday after he attempted to rescue a girl from harassment.
Vedmitra Chaudhury, who was a 35-year-old Lance Naik in 416 Engineering Brigade, had gone to purchase milk on Rohta Road in Hardenagar when he witnessed some men teasing the milk shop owner’s daughter. Police report states that the soldier, a resident of Gopal Vihar, beat up one of the accused (named Akash) who in turn called his friends. Armed with sticks, they assaulted the soldier and left him critically injured.
Chaudhury was admitted in an army hospital in Gopal Vihar area where he later expired. He is survived by his wife Babita, son Vansh and daughter Tanvi.
Sub-Area Colonel Rajiv Kumar said that Chaudhury had done his duty as an Indian citizen by protecting the girl’s honour and that he would be remembered as a martyr.
Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Chandra Dubey has stated that apart from the accused Akash, two other suspects Sanju and Ritesh have been arrested and that search for others is under way.
Eve teasing is common in India, where women can be victims of aggressive male posturing, provocative remarks and physical assaults on public transport. The social stigma attached to victims of molestation or rape however, means that women are hesitant to report such incidents.