A disturbing incident reported from southeast Delhi has triggered fresh concerns over racism and women’s safety in the national capital after two women from the Northeast alleged that they were molested, assaulted and abused outside a hotel in Nehru Place. Police said the attack took place in the early hours of May 10 and involved a group of men who allegedly passed racist comments before the situation turned violent.
The women claimed they were standing near a tea stall outside the hotel around 6.30 am when two men began catcalling them. According to investigators, the confrontation escalated after more people joined the group and allegedly started hurling abuses and making derogatory remarks aimed at the women’s identity and appearance.
Altercation outside hotel turns violent
According to The Hindustan Times, the police said a PCR call reporting a woman in distress was received at the Kalkaji police station around 7 am. Officers who reached the location found the two women visibly shaken and injured. One of the complainants alleged that she was molested during the scuffle and that her clothes were torn in the chaos.
The women also alleged that the accused blocked their way and threatened them when they attempted to leave. One of them further claimed she was attacked with a bamboo stick during the confrontation. Both victims were later taken to AIIMS for medical examination.
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Police identify four accused
Delhi Police said a case was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to assault, molestation, criminal intimidation and wrongful restraint. Investigators have already questioned several witnesses and scanned CCTV footage from the surrounding area as part of the probe.
According to police officials, eight people, including witnesses and bystanders, were rounded up for questioning, after which four main accused were identified. Raids are currently being conducted at multiple locations linked to the suspects.
Safety concerns resurface
The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability faced by people from northeastern states living in metropolitan cities, especially women. Civil society groups and activists have repeatedly raised concerns over racist abuse and targeted harassment faced by northeastern residents in Delhi over the years.
Police said efforts are underway to arrest the accused at the earliest and assured that strict action would follow once they are taken into custody.
