The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of fostering what it described as an “anti-Northeast mindset” following allegations of racial abuse made by three women from Arunachal Pradesh against their neighbours in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. The political exchange emerged after the women claimed they were subjected to derogatory remarks and intimidation during a dispute that began over a minor residential issue.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, AAP alleged that the incident reflected a broader pattern of prejudice and criticised the lack of immediate arrests despite a police case being registered. Delhi AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that although an FIR had been filed, the absence of prompt action risked sending a negative signal to people from northeastern states living in the national capital.
The controversy originates from an incident on February 20 in the Panchsheel Vihar area, where a disagreement reportedly escalated into allegations of racial harassment. A UPSC aspirant from Arunachal Pradesh and her two roommates alleged that their neighbours, identified as Harsh Singh and his wife Ruby Jain, verbally abused them and made offensive remarks targeting their regional identity. According to the complainants, the couple allegedly referred to them as “sex workers” and used insulting stereotypes associated with people from the Northeast.
The women stated that the conflict began when they arranged for an electrician to install an air conditioner in their rented fourth-floor apartment. During the installation, drilling work caused dust and small debris to fall onto the balcony of the flat below, prompting objections from the neighbours. One of the women said they immediately apologised and clarified that the incident was accidental. However, she alleged that the neighbours continued arguing and began verbally abusing the electrician and the residents.
According to the complainants, the situation soon shifted from a disagreement over dust to personal and racial remarks. The UPSC aspirant claimed that the neighbours allegedly made comments suggesting that people from the Northeast were illiterate and engaged in immoral activities for money. She further alleged that threats of physical harm were made during the confrontation. The woman also stated that when she questioned the remarks, an additional objectionable comment was allegedly made by the neighbour’s wife.
Delhi Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered at the Malviya Nagar police station under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 79 for words intended to insult a woman’s modesty, Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation, Section 3(5) relating to acts done with common intention, and Section 196, which deals with promoting enmity based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, or language. Section 196 is classified as a cognisable and non-bailable offence. Police officials said that while the case has been registered, no arrests have been made so far and the investigation is ongoing.
The women involved have demanded a formal apology, stating that the alleged remarks were not only offensive to them personally but also disrespectful toward the broader northeastern community. The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns raised by students and professionals from northeastern states regarding discrimination and stereotyping in metropolitan cities, while political parties continue to debate responsibility and accountability in addressing such cases.
