Arunachal Women Allege Racial Abuse in Delhi Over Flat Repair Dispute
Three women from Arunachal Pradesh have come forward with serious allegations of racial slurs, humiliation, and intimidation by their neighbours in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area. The incident, which stemmed from a disagreement over repair work in their rented flat, has sparked outrage after a video of the altercation went viral on social media.
Viral Video Captures Disturbing Verbal Assault
In the widely circulated footage, the accused woman can be heard using derogatory terms such as "momo" and making offensive insinuations about the women's professions. She is alleged to have said, "Rs 500 mei massage parlour mei kaam karne waali dhandhewali (You work at massage parlours as sex workers for Rs 500). Are you sitting here to do business? Have you opened a massage parlour at home?" The video also captures the man, Harsh Singh, using similarly derogatory language.
Dispute Escalates from AC Installation to Racial Remarks
The conflict began on February 20 around 3:30 PM when the women called an electrician to install an air conditioner in their fourth-floor flat. Dust and debris from the drilling work fell to the floor below, prompting objections from neighbours Harsh Singh and his wife Ruby Jain. What started as a minor disagreement quickly escalated into verbal abuse, with racially charged remarks targeting the northeastern community.
The accused allegedly made further offensive comments, calling the women "gutter-chaap," telling them to "go and sell momos," and stating that "northeast people are shit." At one point, the woman claimed social and economic superiority, asserting, "Teri aukaat nahi hai... custom officer ka beta hai woh... politician ka beta hai (You have no standards. He is the son of a custom officer...a politician's son)."
Police Intervention and Legal Action Taken
A police officer was present during the altercation and is seen in the video attempting to de-escalate the situation. The women confronted the couple, with one of them 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."
Following the incident, the women filed a formal complaint at the Malviya Nagar police station. An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections:
- Section 79: Word intended to insult a woman’s modesty
- Section 351(2): Criminal intimidation
- Section 3(5): Common intention
- Section 196: Promoting enmity on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc. (non-bailable and cognizable)
No arrests have been made so far, according to police reports. A senior officer stated, "No physical injuries were reported. However, the complainants have alleged mental harassment and humiliation." The women have demanded a formal apology, emphasizing that the remarks targeted the dignity of the entire northeastern community.
Safety Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The situation reportedly worsened when a building broker allegedly informed the women that they would have to vacate the flat within two months due to planned repair work. This has left the complainants apprehensive about their safety and future accommodation. Police have confirmed that further investigation into the matter is currently underway to ensure justice is served.
