Andhra Woman Tied, Beaten with Belt and Kicked – Disturbing Video Spurs Calls for Urgent Action

Ongole, Andhra Pradesh – September 17, 2025 – In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through a quiet village in Prakasam district, a man was captured on video tying his wife’s hands and subjecting her to a brutal beating, disregarding desperate pleas from neighbors to stop. The footage, which has since gone viral on social media, paints a grim picture of unchecked domestic violence, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by women in rural India.

The Chilling Incident Unfolded

The assault took place in broad daylight in a residential area of Prakasam district, where eyewitnesses described the scene as one of unrelenting cruelty. The perpetrator, identified as Gurunatham, is seen in the video binding his wife’s hands with a rope before lashing her repeatedly with a belt. As she writhed in agony, shrieking and convulsing on the ground, he escalated the violence by kicking her multiple times. Neighbors rushed to intervene, shouting and attempting to physically pull him away, but Gurunatham appeared undeterred, continuing the attack with what witnesses called a sadistic pleasure.

The video, disturbingly, was not captured by a bystander but by Gurunatham’s alleged paramour, who was present at the scene. This detail has added a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting the assault may have been premeditated or even performative. Local residents, speaking anonymously to media outlets, expressed horror at the man’s indifference, noting that such public displays of violence are rare but underscore deeper issues of marital discord and abandonment.

Family Struggles Amid Alleged Betrayal

The victim, a resilient mother of four – three daughters and one son – has been the sole breadwinner for her family, working long hours at a local bakery to provide for her children. Sources close to the family reveal that Gurunatham has been living separately in Hyderabad with another woman for several months, leaving his wife to shoulder all responsibilities. Reports indicate he frequently returns to the village not to support his family, but to harass her and demand money, often under the guise of household expenses. This pattern of abandonment and extortion, they say, has been ongoing, culminating in the recent explosion of violence.

The woman’s three daughters and son, all minors, were reportedly nearby during the incident, adding to the trauma inflicted on the entire household. Community members have rallied around her, offering emotional support and urging authorities to act swiftly to protect the family.

Broader Context: A Rising Tide of Domestic Violence in Andhra Pradesh

This incident comes against the backdrop of escalating domestic violence cases across Andhra Pradesh, a state grappling with systemic challenges in addressing gender-based abuse. According to recent projections for 2025, Andhra Pradesh ranks eighth among Indian states with approximately 15,000 reported domestic violence cases, part of a national total exceeding 445,000 crimes against women. In 2024 alone, the state recorded over 30,000 such incidents, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence, with physical abuse affecting nearly 28.5% of women aged 15-49 nationwide – a figure that experts believe is underreported in rural areas like Prakasam.

What makes this case particularly alarming is the evolving attitudes toward intimate partner violence in southern India. Studies show a troubling increase in women’s acceptability of physical abuse in Andhra Pradesh, rising from 77.8% to 84.6% in recent years, often justified under cultural pretexts like “disobedience” or financial disputes. Advocacy groups point to factors such as economic dependency, lack of legal awareness, and inadequate enforcement of laws like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, as key contributors. In Prakasam, a predominantly agrarian district with limited access to women’s helplines and shelters, such vulnerabilities are amplified.

Police Response and Calls for Justice

Prakasam police have launched an investigation into the matter, registering a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for assault and cruelty. The paramour who recorded the video is also under scrutiny, with authorities probing her role in the incident. As of now, Gurunatham remains at large, but officials have assured the victim of protection and medical aid. The family has approached local women’s organizations for support, emphasizing the need for counseling and financial assistance to rebuild their lives.

This brutal episode serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for community vigilance and stronger intervention mechanisms. As India Prime Times continues to monitor developments, we urge readers to report any signs of abuse and support initiatives that empower women to break free from cycles of violence. For immediate help, the national women’s helpline is available at 181.