Intro: She asserted that any misconduct against people from the Northeast residing in the national capital will not be tolerated.
New Delhi
The alleged racial harassment of three women from Arunachal Pradesh in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has sparked outrage, prompting swift action from authorities and a strong response from the Delhi government.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday took cognisance of the incident and asserted that any misconduct against people from the Northeast residing in the national capital will not be tolerated.
The case pertains to an altercation that reportedly took place on February 20 in the Malviya Nagar area. The three women, who were living in a rented accommodation, were allegedly subjected to racial slurs, humiliation and intimidation by their neighbours, identified as Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain. According to reports, the confrontation arose following a dispute over repair work at the women’s residence. During the argument, the accused allegedly used derogatory language and referred to the women as dhandhewali (sex worker), causing distress and outrage.
Acting on the complaint, Delhi Police arrested the accused couple five days after the alleged incident. Officials confirmed that relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked based on the material available on record.
In a video message posted on X, the Chief Minister said the matter had come to her attention after several influencers tagged her in posts highlighting the incident. She stated that she would soon meet the affected women and extend her support. Emphasising inclusivity, Gupta said that residents from all parts of the country, including the Northeast, enjoy equal rights in Delhi and contribute significantly to the city’s growth and vibrancy.
Reiterating her government’s firm stance, she assured that those responsible would face severe punishment. She also expressed her intent to engage with members of the Northeast community in Delhi to understand their concerns and explore policy measures, if required. Meanwhile, officials said the investigation is being conducted by an ACP-rank officer and is under close supervision of senior authorities, with further inquiries currently underway.