Three women from Arunachal Pradesh were allegedly subjected to racial slurs, intimidation, and humiliation by neighbours in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar over a minor flat repair, police said.

The incident occurred on February 20 around 3:30 pm when the women called an electrician to install an air conditioner on the fourth floor. Dust and debris from drilling reportedly fell to the floor below, prompting complaints from neighbours Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain, which escalated into a heated argument.

The women claimed that during the confrontation, the couple used abusive language targeting them and the northeastern community. A video circulating on social media shows Ruby Jain asking, “Are you sitting here to do business? Have you opened a massage parlour at home?” Harsh Singh reportedly called the victims “gutter-chaap,” while his wife mentioned his connections as a “son of a big politician” and a “customs officer.”

One of the women responded, “Everyone heard what you said about my image. You made false allegations that I drink alcohol. Go check my room if you find any bottles.” The argument escalated further with threatening remarks.

Police intervened to de-escalate the situation. No immediate arrests were made, but Malviya Nagar police registered an FIR against Singh and Jain under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Sections 79 (insulting a woman’s modesty), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (common intention), and 196 (promoting enmity on grounds of religion, race, etc.). Section 196 is non-bailable and cognizable.

The women reported mental harassment and demanded a public apology, stating that the remarks insulted the northeastern community. Sources said a building broker later asked them to vacate within two months for repairs, raising safety concerns. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.