‘Go sell momos, work in massage parlour’: Delhi racism against Northeast women, FIR filed

New Delhi: Three women from Arunachal Pradesh living in a rented flat in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar have alleged racial abuse and humiliation by their neighbours following an argument over dust falling from air conditioner installation work.

The Delhi Police have registered a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 79, 351(2), 3(5) and 196 against two residents identified as Harsh Singh and Ruby Jain, both living in the same building.

What triggered the dispute

The incident reportedly occurred on 20 February 2026 around 3:30 pm when the three women called an electrician to install an air conditioner in their fourth-floor apartment.

During drilling work, dust and debris allegedly fell into the flat below, where the accused couple lived. According to the complainants, the neighbours objected and the disagreement escalated into verbal abuse.

The women alleged that derogatory and racially charged remarks were made targeting them as members of the Northeast community. In a video circulating on social media, the accused woman can allegedly be heard using offensive terms such as “momo” and making statements linking the women to massage parlour work and prostitution.

The complainants said the remarks were not merely personal insults but targeted the dignity of people from the Northeast.

FIR registered, investigation underway

Delhi Police stated that a case has been registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station under sections relating to outraging a woman’s modesty, criminal intimidation and promoting enmity based on race, residence or language.

Officials said no physical injuries were reported, but the victims have alleged mental harassment and humiliation.

Police also clarified that the case is under investigation and further legal action will be taken according to law. No arrests have been made so far.

Legal and social arguments

The complainants demanded a formal apology, stating that the remarks were not individual insults but reflected broader prejudice faced by people from the Northeast living in the national capital.

Advocate Reena Rai, representing the three women, said the incident highlights ongoing discrimination faced by Northeast residents in Delhi. She emphasised the need for safety and dignity for migrant communities living away from home.

The defence lawyer, Gaurav, representing the couple, said the situation had been exaggerated on social media and that both sides exchanged heated words during the dispute.

He claimed his client regretted using offensive language and that the family had attempted a compromise after the incident. The lawyer also said that his client had initially lodged a complaint, but an FIR was registered later due to public pressure.

Police statement

Delhi Police said the case was registered after allegations that the accused verbally abused the complainants, used objectionable language, insulted their modesty and issued criminal threats.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that additional legal action will depend on evidence collected during the probe.

The incident has sparked discussions about racial prejudice faced by people from Northeast India living in metropolitan cities.

Legal experts note that Section 196 of the BNS is a cognizable and non-bailable offence when it involves promoting enmity based on race, place of birth or language.

Community representatives have called for stronger social awareness and protection measures to ensure dignity and safety for migrant communities across urban India.