A couple was taken into custody by Delhi Police after an alleged incident of racial abuse involving residents from the Northeast in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to police sources, the dispute took place on February 20 during an argument linked to maintenance work at a rented property. During the confrontation, the woman accused is alleged to have used objectionable and discriminatory language against three women who belong to Arunachal Pradesh.
An FIR was registered at the local police station, initially invoking provisions related to criminal intimidation, outraging the modesty of women and promoting hostility between groups under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Later, sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were also incorporated into the case.
Police officials said that the probe has now been handed over to an officer of Assistant Commissioner rank, as mandated after the addition of the SC-ST Act, and the investigation is being monitored by senior authorities.
The arrests were made after investigators reviewed video clips and recorded statements of witnesses, which allegedly indicated that racially offensive remarks were made during the altercation.
Reacting to the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed concern and condemned the alleged behaviour, stating that the dignity and safety of every citizen in the national capital must be protected. She also indicated that she plans to meet the affected women.
Authorities added that the investigation remains ongoing and further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered in the coming days.
