New Delhi, February 25, 2026: Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested a married couple from South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar for allegedly hurling racial slurs and abusing three young women from Arunachal Pradesh during a minor dispute over repair work. Provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were invoked in the case following a viral video of the confrontation that sparked widespread outrage.
The incident occurred on February 20 around 3:30 pm when the three women, aged 19-23 and residing in a rented apartment in Malviya Nagar, were getting electrical or air-conditioner installation work done. Dust and debris from the drilling allegedly fell into the flat below, occupied by the accused couple, triggering the altercation.
According to the police complaint, Ruby Jain (35), a homemaker, and her husband Harsh Singh (also referred to as Harsh Priya Singh in some reports), a freelance public relations professional, used derogatory and racially charged language targeting the women’s Northeast Indian ethnicity. The victims alleged they were called slurs implying they sold momos, ran massage parlours, and were told to “go back to their state.” The couple also allegedly insulted their modesty and issued threats.
A video of Ruby Jain making the remarks went viral on social media, leading to nationwide condemnation and swift police action. The FIR was initially registered at Malviya Nagar Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — Section 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), Section 351(2) (criminal intimidation), Section 3(5) (common intention), and Section 196 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of race, place of birth, etc.).
Following examination of the video, witness statements, and the nature of the allegations, police invoked the SC/ST Act, as the victims belong to Scheduled Tribes from Arunachal Pradesh. The investigation has now been handed over to an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)-rank officer and is being closely supervised by senior officials, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan confirmed.
Ruby Jain was arrested first on Wednesday morning, followed shortly by her husband Harsh Singh. Both were produced before Magistrate Bhanu Pratap Singh at the Saket court and remanded in 14-day judicial custody till March 11.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta strongly condemned the incident, stating on social media that she stands firmly with the victims and will meet them personally. “Delhi belongs to everyone. The dignity, respect, and safety of every citizen is paramount. We will ensure the strictest action against the culprits,” she said. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had earlier taken up the matter with Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking swift justice.
The accused have reportedly expressed regret. Ruby Jain released a public video apology, while her husband was quoted saying not to label them as “Delhi ke darinde” (Delhi’s monsters).
The case has once again highlighted concerns over racial discrimination faced by people from India’s Northeast in metropolitan cities. Police have assured that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness, with further investigation underway. No physical injuries were reported, but the victims have described severe mental harassment and humiliation.
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