Hardoi police register case after domestic worker allegedly assaulted over theft suspicion

Police in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against five people after a domestic worker was allegedly tied to a chair and assaulted over suspicion of theft, authorities said on Friday, October 2, 2026. The woman, identified as Upasana and described as being in her 20s, worked as a domestic helper at the home of Akanksha in Nexra Colony. Police said the alleged assault took place there on September 30.

Videos circulating on social media purportedly show Upasana tied to a chair with a dupatta. In the footage, several women appear to slap and strike her with slippers and sticks. One woman is also allegedly seen pressing a stick against her neck.

According to police, Akanksha and other women in the family allegedly abused and assaulted the domestic worker after suspecting her of theft. The group allegedly forced her to confess, police said. The case was registered following a complaint filed by the victim.

The named accused are Akanksha, her husband Ashish, and three other people identified as Deepika, Soni and Vani. Police said charges had been filed under relevant provisions of the law. Upasana is undergoing a medical examination, according to the police.

Teams have also been conducting raids in an effort to arrest the accused. The videos have circulated widely online, but the source material does not provide further details about when they were recorded, the condition of the victim beyond the medical examination, or whether any arrests had been made at the time of the report.