New Delhi

Delhi Police on Wednesday said a woman and her husband have been arrested in connection with the alleged racial abuse and criminal intimidation of three women from Arunachal Pradesh in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.

Police said the investigation has been transferred to an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and is being closely supervised by senior officials. Based on material on record, relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said his office has been in constant touch with the victims and the police since the incident came to light, asserting that strict legal action will be taken. “If any incident occurs in Delhi with anyone from the Northeast, we take immediate action. In this case, arrests have been made and we will ensure those responsible are taught a lesson,” he said.

Earlier, an FIR was registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station against two residents for allegedly racially abusing and criminally intimidating the three women tenants from the Northeast. The case has been booked under BNS Section 79 (insult to the modesty of a woman), Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation), Section 196 (promoting enmity between groups), and Section 3(5) (acts done in furtherance of common intention).

According to police, the incident occurred on February 20, 2026, when the women were supervising electrical installation work in their flat. Dust from drilling allegedly entered the apartment below, triggering a confrontation. The complainants alleged mental harassment and humiliation; no physical injuries were reported.