New Delhi: Delhi Police has arrested the married couple who hurled racial slurs at three women from the Northeast in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, an officer said on Wednesday.

Ruby Jain and her husband Harsh were taken into custody following an investigation into an FIR registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station. The incident reportedly occurred on February 20 during a dispute over repair work at the women’s rented accommodation.

According to police, Ruby Jain allegedly made abusive and derogatory remarks against the three women, who are from Arunachal Pradesh. Subsequently, provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were invoked in the FIR against her.

Initially, the case was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of criminal intimidation, insulting the modesty of women, and promoting enmity between groups.

"The investigation has now been entrusted to an ACP-rank officer after SC-ST Act added and is being closely supervised by senior officials," the police said in a statement.

Police said the arrests followed examination of video recordings and witness statements that indicated racially charged remarks were made during the altercation.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wrote on X, "I strongly condemn the incident that occurred with our sisters from the Northeast and stand firmly with them." She said Delhi belongs to everyone. "Here, the dignity, respect, and safety of every citizen is paramount. I will meet with them personally."
 

Gupta added, "The police are taking legal action with full responsibility, and we will ensure that the strictest possible action is taken against the culprits. Harassing, discriminating against, or humiliating any daughter will not be tolerated at any cost. We are all one, and the safety of every daughter is our utmost responsibility."

PTI