Three women from Arunachal Pradesh have alleged that they were subjected to racial abuse and intimidation by neighbours following a dispute at their rented accommodation in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.
According to police, an FIR has been registered against Harsh Singh and his wife Ruby Jain under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to insulting the modesty of a woman, criminal intimidation and promoting enmity on grounds such as race and place of birth.
The incident reportedly took place on February 20 around 3.30 pm, when the women called an electrician to their fourth-floor flat to install an air conditioner. During the drilling work, dust and debris fell onto the floor below, prompting objections from the couple living there.
What began as a disagreement over falling debris allegedly escalated into a heated altercation. The women claimed the couple hurled abusive, derogatory and racially charged remarks targeting them and the broader northeastern community. A video of the confrontation has since circulated on social media.
In the footage, the accused woman is allegedly heard using offensive slurs and making disparaging comments about the women’s character and profession. A police officer can be seen at the scene attempting to calm both sides during the exchange. The man, identified as Harsh Singh, is also allegedly heard making objectionable remarks.
The complainants are seen in the video confronting the couple and denying the allegations made against them. They have stated that the comments caused mental harassment and humiliation.
Police said the FIR was registered at Malviya Nagar police station under BNS sections 79 (word intended to insult a woman’s modesty), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention) and 196 (promoting enmity on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence or language). Section 196 is a cognisable and non-bailable offence. No arrests have been made so far.
Officials said no physical injuries were reported, but the complainants alleged severe emotional distress. The women have demanded a formal apology, asserting that the remarks were not merely personal insults but an attack on the dignity of people from the Northeast.
According to sources, tensions reportedly deepened after the incident when a property broker informed the women that they would need to vacate the flat within two months due to proposed repair work in the building. The complainants have expressed concern about their safety and future accommodation, saying they felt isolated and demeaned in the city where they had come to live and work.
Advocate Reena Rai, representing the women, said the episode reflects ongoing racial prejudice faced by people from the Northeast in the national capital. She said neighbours should have offered support rather than harassment.
Counsel for the accused, Advocate Gaurav, maintained that the matter is being exaggerated online. He said both parties exchanged words during the argument and that his client regrets certain remarks made in the heat of the moment. He added that his client had called the police control room and that officers were present at the spot.
Police said further investigation is underway.
