Guwahati, May 13: Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressing concern over the alleged assault, molestation and racial abuse of two women from Assam and Bihar in Delhi’s Nehru Place area. He urged the Centre to strengthen institutional mechanisms to ensure the safety and dignity of women and citizens from the North East living in the national capital.
The incident, which occurred on May 10 near a hotel in Nehru Place, involved a group of men who allegedly subjected the women to racist remarks before physically assaulting and molesting them. Delhi Police confirmed that four individuals Md Fahad, Md Savej, Md Arif and Aman alias Mohd Faheem alias Kala have been detained for questioning. An FIR has been registered, CCTV footage examined, and raids are underway at possible hideouts linked to the accused.
In his letter, Gogoi described the case as “deeply disturbing” and symptomatic of a recurring pattern of prejudice and violence faced by Northeastern citizens in Delhi. He recalled earlier incidents, including the racial assault on a lawyer from Manipur and her transwoman friend in South Delhi, as well as cases involving women from Arunachal Pradesh. He also cited the 2014 killing of Nido Tania and the 2025 death of Tripura student Anjel Chakma, both victims of alleged assaults, as reminders of continuing insecurity.
Gogoi questioned the effectiveness of existing safety mechanisms such as SPUNER, the 24×7 helpline 1093, the North East Assistance Team (NEAT), nodal officers and sensitisation initiatives. He argued that the persistence of such cases shows these measures have not translated into deterrence or institutional confidence.
Delhi Police said the victims were taken to AIIMS for medical examination following the incident. Witnesses have been questioned, and preliminary enquiry confirmed that derogatory remarks escalated into a physical altercation near a tea stall close to Eros Hotel.
The Congress MP stressed that repeated episodes of racial abuse and violence Emphasize the urgent need for stronger safeguards, institutional accountability and proactive measures to protect Northeastern citizens in the capital.
