A shocking incident of violence against a woman selling flowers in South Delhi has once again put women’s safety and alleged drug related activities on the radar.
Radha was allegedly attacked by a group of men with sticks, iron rods and knives near AIIMS Road in Gautam Nagar on night of Chhoti Diwali (7-8 November).
The family of the victim alleged that around ten men were involved in the assault. Radha was with her brother-in-law Aman when they were attacked, allegedly by the group who confronted them and started beating them up. The incident reportedly took place on the road between AIIMS area and Gautam Nagar (South Delhi) under Hauz Khas police station.
Drug Trade Dispute Allegedly Behind the Attack
The victim’s family have said that the attack was linked to a dispute over a local drug operative Soni. Radha runs a flower-selling business and had refused to mix sale of marijuana with her regular business.
The family says her refusal angered the alleged local operative who sent a group of men to attack her. They have also alleged that this was not the first time Radha had been attacked and on at least two previous occasions incidents similar to these took place.
However these allegations have not been independently established by the police investigation. The circumstances of the confrontation and who was involved (the people named by the family) are all issues for investigators to resolve.
CCTV Footage Shows Woman Being Assaulted
The incident has received a lot of attention after CCTV footage of the confrontation was posted on social media. According to reports, the video shows several men surrounding Radha and hitting her with sticks and other things.
One of the most disturbing moments in the footage is when Radha is struck on the head. Viewers have reacted with outrage to the visuals: “How can a woman who runs a small flower business become the target for such violence?”
The incident also raised concerns about the safety of women working in public spaces (those who rely on roadside businesses for their daily income).
A woman selling flowers on AIIMS Road was allegedly beaten with sticks on Chhoti Diwali. Even after 5 days, no police action has been taken.!! https://t.co/bJYgXYwjxK
— parker (@PARKER_CBI) November 12, 2026
Police Action After Video Goes Viral
The footage went viral and put the incident in the public eye forcing Delhi Police to take note of it. On 12 November reports appeared saying police had started examining the video and identifying those involved in assault.
The allegations about the reported drug-related dispute are also important to the investigation. Police will have to determine what motivated the attack; who is involved; whether there’s a link with illegal drug activity in the area.
Women's Safety Concerns Grow
The assault has led to wider debates about women’s safety and law enforcement in South Delhi. That the attack took place near AIIMS area only increased public concern about it.
For Radha and her family it is not just a violent confrontation. It has put them on notice that they cannot continue with their livelihood without being intimidated.
Police are investigating to establish what happened and who is responsible for the attack. This incident has once again brought home the need for policing that works, action against crime and stronger protection for women working in public spaces.
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