Delhi Couple Arrested Over Racial Abuse of Arunachal Women, SC/ST Act Applied
Delhi Couple Arrested Over Racial Abuse of Arunachal Women, SC/ST Act Applied
Delhi police arrest a couple after three Arunachal women faced racial abuse in Malviya Nagar; SC/ST Act invoked as investigation proceeds.
Three women from Arunachal Pradesh, including a Delhi University student, allege they were threatened and subjected to racial slurs by a couple in Malviya Nagar during a dispute over dust from electrical work at their rented home. Five days later, police said they arrested the accused, Ruby Jain, 35, and her husband Harsh Singh, and booked them on charges under the SC/ST Act based on the material on record. A video of the incident circulated on social media, prompting outcry from political leaders and civil society about the persistence of prejudice in the national capital.
Police said the investigation has been assigned to an assistant commissioner of police-rank officer, who will lead the inquiry into the case. The FIR was registered, and investigators said the matter is being examined for all aspects, including the legitimacy of the racial abuse claims and the circumstances of the dust-dispute.
Relief and condemnation followed from leaders: Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu publicly denounced the incident, stressing that such prejudice has no place in society. Scindia posted updates on X, saying he spoke with the Delhi Police Commissioner and sought swift and stringent action, while Khandu said the behavior was absolutely unacceptable.
The accused were reportedly absconding when the case began; their arrest marks a significant step in ensuring accountability for harassment directed at people from the Northeast. The case underscores the need for robust protections under the SC/ST Act and for continued vigilance against hate-based crimes in Delhi and beyond.
With authorities promising a thorough investigation and action, many hope this incident will deter similar acts and reinforce safety for students and residents from the Northeast living in the capital.
