A disturbing viral video out of Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh has sparked outrage across the nation. On February 22, 2026, an Indian Army (IAF) officer and his father were attacked by a mob during what many described as a chaotic wedding reception. Many people took out their cell phones to record the very graphic images of attackers hitting the two men with sticks and rods. The video has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) with millions of views and has been described as “disgusting, shameful and pathetic.”
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What Happened: Timeline of the Assault
A domestic long-standing dispute escalated into a brawl at a community wedding hall. The two men in uniform from IAF are seen to have intervened in the dispute, attempting to assist in settling the disagreement, but were also attacked by the same individuals they were attempting to help. According to video footage, there could be as many as 20-30 men surrounding the two men; beating them repeatedly with the use of iron pipes and sticks. The officer’s father, an elderly man, was beaten and collapsed; however, one of the officers fought back valiantly. Police arrived late on the scene and have arrested six individuals, with five still under custody.
Public Outrage and Social Media Storm
A large number of people on the internet expressed rage using hashtags such as #JusticeForIAF and #BulandshaharViolence, saying that the attack on an active soldier is an insult to the entire country (tweeted by user @PatriotVoiceIN). Many veterans of the IAF as well as famous people are calling for harsh punishment but have also asked about law and order in Uttar Pradesh. The sheer violent nature of the video showing the bloody faces and pleading of people is providing fuel for the discussion about the mentality of mobs at public events.
Authorities Respond, Probe Underway
According to the Bulandshahr Police, an FIR has been filed with IPC sections for rioting and attacking, obstructing police officer in US law; at the same time, the Superintendent of Police Anukriti Singh issued a statement, saying “We will ensure prompt action,” and also stated that UAPA (U) acts could be applied if any evidence of anti-national connections is found. Yogi Adityanath’s (the Chief Minister of UP) office stated there is no tolerance for such activity. This is indicative of a trend of increasing violence associated with weddings in rural areas of India, therefore a need for improved policing.
