Three Arunachal Women Allege Racial Abuse by Neighbours in South Delhi; FIR Filed, Investigation Underway

Three women from Arunachal Pradesh have accused a couple in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar of racially abusing and intimidating them following a dispute over repair work at their rented accommodation.

An FIR has been registered at Malviya Nagar police station against Harsh Singh and his wife, Ruby Jain, under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (acts done with common intention) and 196 (promoting enmity or hatred on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence or language). Section 196 is a cognisable and non-bailable offence.

According to police, the incident occurred on 20 February at around 3.30 pm, when the women had called an electrician to their fourth-floor flat to install an air conditioner. During drilling, dust and debris reportedly fell onto the floor below, prompting objections from their neighbours.

What began as a disagreement over the falling debris allegedly escalated into a verbal altercation. The complainants have alleged that the couple used abusive language, made derogatory remarks and hurled racial slurs targeting them and the wider Northeastern community.

A video purportedly capturing the confrontation has since circulated on social media. In one clip, the accused woman is heard saying, “Are you sitting here to do business? Have you opened a massage parlour at home?” The footage also shows a police officer at the scene attempting to calm the situation as the argument intensifies. Harsh Singh is allegedly heard making derogatory remarks during the exchange.

At one point, the accused woman is heard claiming social and political connections, saying, “Teri aukaat nahi hai... custom officer ka beta hai woh... politician ka beta hai,” suggesting that the man involved was the son of a customs officer and a politician. The women are seen confronting the couple in the video. One of them can be heard saying, “Everyone heard what you said about my image. You made false allegations that I drink alcohol. Go check my room if you find any bottles there.”

In another segment, the accused woman allegedly makes further offensive comments, including, “Why don’t you sleep with him? Go to my bedroom. You will come to know how old is he.” The complainants have further alleged that they were called “gutter-chaap” and subjected to humiliating remarks about their identity and background.

A senior police officer said no physical injuries were reported, but the women have alleged mental harassment and humiliation. “No physical injuries were reported. However, mental harassment and humiliation have been alleged,” the officer said. Police confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, as the accused are reportedly absconding. Notices have been served, and further action will be taken in accordance with the law, officials added.

The women have sought a formal apology, stating that the remarks were not merely personal insults but an attack on the dignity of the Northeastern community. They have also expressed concerns about their safety and accommodation.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prema Khandu condemned the incident, calling it “shameful” and “absolutely unacceptable”. “Strongly condemn the shameful incident of racial abuse faced by our three young sisters from Arunachal Pradesh residing in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. Such behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.

Khandu added that he had spoken to the Delhi Police Commissioner and sought swift action. “The accused are currently absconding, and I have been assured that they will be apprehended at the earliest and dealt with as per law. We stand firmly with our three sisters, and their safety, dignity, and justice remain our highest priority,” he said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma also described the incident as “unacceptable” and “unfortunate”. “The recent incident that took place in Malviya Nagar against our Northeast citizens from Arunachal Pradesh is unfortunate. It is something that is unacceptable in today’s world,” he said.

“And the kind of language that was used, that kind of word that was used, is very sad, and it is unacceptable. As a state, as a region, as a country, we are working to move forward; these kinds of words move us two steps back. We need to understand that for a diverse nation like India, we need to respect each other, and there is no excuse for that,” Sangma added.​