NEW DELHI, Feb 23: Three women from Arunachal Pradesh have filed an FIR against their neighbours in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar over alleged racial abuse and intimidation. Delhi Police on Sunday confirmed that a case has been registered at the Malviya Nagar police station under Sections 79 (word intended to insult a woman’s modesty), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention) and 196 (promoting enmity on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Harish Singh and his wife. Section 196 is a cognizable and non-bailable offence.

According to police, the incident occurred around 3.30 pm on February 20 when drilling and electrical installation work was being carried out in the women’s rented fourth-floor apartment. Dust and debris allegedly fell onto the balcony of the apartment below, prompting objections from the downstairs neighbours. The women said they apologised immediately, clarifying that the debris had fallen unintentionally. However, the disagreement soon escalated.

The complainants alleged that instead of resolving the issue amicably, the neighbours hurled abuses and made derogatory and racial remarks targeting their northeastern identity. They claimed they were called “illiterate,” accused of engaging in “dhandhebazi,” and falsely alleged to be operating a massage parlour from their residence. One of the women alleged that a sexually explicit remark was made about her husband, while another who intervened was allegedly threatened and told she would be forced to “strip and dance.”

Several videos of the confrontation have surfaced on social media, drawing widespread outrage and demands for justice. In one clip, a woman can be heard questioning whether the complainants were running a “business” from their flat. The victims maintained that the remarks were not merely personal insults but an affront to the entire Northeastern community. They have demanded a formal apology and also alleged that a building broker later informed them they would have to vacate the flat within two months due to proposed repair work.

Meanwhile, Conrad K. Sangma strongly denounced the alleged racial abuse, stating that discrimination against people from the Northeast “must stop.” He said such incidents deepen insecurities among Northeastern residents living in metropolitan cities. Police said further investigation into the matter is underway.