‘Ladki Hain Toh Chor Dungi Kya?’: Women Assault Auto Driver in Viral Video

A shocking video capturing an incident of roadside assault and high-voltage drama has gone viral, igniting a fierce debate on social media. The clip, reportedly from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, shows two young women aggressively confronting and physically attacking an auto-rickshaw driver on a busy public road. The incident escalated rapidly, drawing public attention and eventually leading to police intervention.

The Viral Confrontation

The video, widely circulated across platforms, showcases the heated dispute between the two women and the auto driver, identified as Vimlesh Kumar Shukla. The core of the confrontation appears to be a disagreement over the fare. The footage clearly shows one of the women, later identified as Priyanshi Pandey, attempting to drag the driver from his seat, slapping him repeatedly, and using abusive language, despite the man pleading with folded hands. The other sister is reportedly filming the incident.

The confrontation reached a peak when one of the women is heard exclaiming the inflammatory line, “Ladki Hain Toh Chor Dungi Kya?” (Just because I’m a girl, will I spare you?), which has since become the defining phrase of the viral clip and a flashpoint in the online discussion.

Contradictory Claims Spark Debate

The incident has two starkly different narratives, prompting police to launch a full investigation:

• The Driver’s Allegation: Vimlesh Kumar Shukla has stated that the dispute arose after he asked the women for the agreed-upon fare. He claims they refused, stating they were students, and when he persisted, the assault began. He further alleges that the women recorded the video themselves to defame and intimidate him, causing him significant public humiliation. He has since filed a police complaint demanding justice for the injuries and insults he suffered.
• The Sister’s Defence: In a video statement released later, Priyanshi Pandey offered a counter-claim, asserting that the auto driver had used “wrong words” or obscene language directed at them, which provoked her response. She defended her actions as a necessary retaliation against verbal abuse and also claimed to have been receiving threat calls since the video went viral.

Police Step In and Public Reaction

Following the viral outrage and the auto driver’s official complaint, the Mirzapur police have registered a case. They confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the true sequence of events and the nature of the dispute that led to the physical altercation.

The incident has triggered a massive reaction online, polarizing public opinion:

• Concern over Misuse of Power: Many social media users have strongly condemned the sisters’ aggressive behaviour, arguing that gender should not be a shield for violence. They are demanding strict action against the women, citing the incident as a clear case of assault in a public space.
• Safety and Respect for Drivers: A section of the public has rallied in support of the auto driver, highlighting the vulnerability of service providers to harassment and abuse, irrespective of their profession.
• Call for Full Context: Others are urging caution, stressing the importance of considering the women’s claim of verbal abuse and waiting for the full police investigation before passing final judgment.

Regardless of the initial spark, the video has once again brought into sharp focus the alarming frequency of road rage and public disputes that spiral into physical violence, underscoring the urgent need for restraint and respect in public interactions. The local authorities are under pressure to conclude the investigation swiftly and ensure justice for the aggrieved party.