Three women from Arunachal Pradesh were allegedly subjected to racial slurs, derogatory remarks and intimidation by their neighbours in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar following a dispute over repair work in their rented flat.
The incident occurred on February 20 when the women called an electrician around 3.30 pm to install an air conditioner in their fourth-floor apartment. Dust and debris from drilling fell to the floor below, prompting objections from neighbours Harsh Singh and his wife Ruby Jain.
What began as a disagreement quickly escalated into verbal abuse. The victims alleged that the couple hurled racist insults targeting them and the northeastern community at large, including calling them “momo”, “gutter-chaap”, “dhandhewali” (implying sex work), and accusing them of running a massage parlour from home.
A video of the altercation, now circulating on social media, shows the accused woman making offensive remarks such as: “Rs 500 mein massage parlour mein kaam karne waali dhandhewali” and “Northeast people are shit.” She is also heard claiming superiority by saying the man involved was the “son of a big politician” and a customs officer’s son.
One victim is seen confronting the couple, demanding they check her room for alcohol bottles after being falsely accused of drinking. The accused woman further taunted: “Why don’t you sleep with him? Go to my bedroom.”
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A police officer was present at the scene and can be seen intervening to calm the situation.
An FIR has been registered at Malviya Nagar police station against Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention), and 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.).
Section 196 is cognizable and non-bailable. No arrests have been made so far, and no physical injuries were reported, though the complainants have alleged severe mental harassment and humiliation.
The women have demanded a formal apology, emphasising that the remarks were not merely personal but attacked the dignity of the entire northeastern community.
The situation reportedly worsened when a building broker later informed the women they would need to vacate the flat within two months due to planned repair work in the building. The victims have expressed fears for their safety and future accommodation in the city.
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