In a tragic incident, three women from Arunachal Pradesh were alleged to have suffered racial abuse and intimidation by their neighbours in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar following a dispute over minor repair work in their rented apartment, police said on Sunday. The incident reportedly occurred around 3.30 pm on February 20 when drilling and electrical installation work was underway in the women’s fourth-floor flat. 

"During the process, dust and small debris from the drilling work fell to the floor below, prompting objections from the residents, Harsh Singh and his wife," PTI quoted a senior police officer. As per the official, the disagreement escalated, with the women alleging that the couple hurled abuses and made derogatory and racial remarks targeting them for being from the Northeast. The complainants also alleged that offensive stereotypes were used and that their modesty was insulted during the confrontation.

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Videos of the altercation surfaced on social media, triggering widespread outrage and calls for action. In one of the clips, a woman is allegedly heard questioning one of the complainants in a derogatory manner, implying that she was running a massage parlour from her home. The victim is heard refuting the claims and challenging the allegations made about her character.

VIDEO:

An FIR has been registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station under relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to insulting the modesty of a woman, criminal intimidation, promoting enmity between groups, and acts committed with common intention. The accused have been identified as Harsh Singh and his wife.

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Police officials stated that no physical injuries were reported, though the complainants alleged mental harassment and humiliation. According to the information, the women further claimed that a building broker later informed them that they would need to vacate the flat within two months, citing future repair work. The victims have demanded a formal apology, stating that the remarks were not only directed at them but were offensive to the entire northeastern community.

Police said the matter is under investigation.