Three women from Arunachal Pradesh allege racial abuse

Three women from Arunachal Pradesh living in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar have accused a neighbour couple of hurling racial slurs and abusive remarks at them during a dispute over minor repair work, the police said on Sunday.

Based on the women’s complaint, an FIR was registered at the Malviya Nagar police station under Sections 79 (acts or words intended to insult the modesty of a woman), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention), and 196 (promoting enmity, hatred or disharmony between different religious or racial groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the couple – Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain.

Non-bailable offence

Section 196 of the BNS is a non-bailable and cognisable offence.

The incident occurred on February 20 during the installation of an air conditioner in the women’s fourth-floor residence.

During the process, dust and debris reportedly fell onto the lower floor where the couple reside, triggering a sharp reaction.

What began as an argument over the repair work soon escalated into a heated verbal exchange, during which the couple allegedly made derogatory and racial remarks against the women, the police said.

Derogatory remarks

A purported video of the incident has surfaced on social media, showing the couple hurling derogatory remarks at the women and using offensive and abusive language targeting their identity and background.

The victims can be seen confronting the couple in the video.

“Everyone heard what you said about my image. You made false allegations that I drink alcohol. Go check my room to see if you find any bottles there,” one of the women can be heard saying.

According to sources, the situation worsened after the incident, when a building broker allegedly informed the women that they would have to vacate the flat within two months “due to planned repair work in the building”.

The women have demanded a formal apology from the accused, saying that the remarks were not merely personal insults but targeted the dignity of north-eastern people.

Expressing apprehension regarding their safety and future accommodation, the women said they felt isolated and humiliated in a city where they had come to live and work.

Couple absconding

“No physical injuries were reported. However, mental harassment and humiliation have been alleged,” the police said. No arrests have been made so far as the accused are reportedly absconding, the police said, adding that notices have been served on them. Further action will be taken in accordance with the law, they said.

(With inputs from PTI)