New Delhi: Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested Ruby Jain, one of the two accused in the Malviya Nagar racist abuse case, in which a couple allegedly hurled derogatory slurs at three women from the Northeast state Arunachal Pradesh. Police have also invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the case. Delhi Police said Ruby Jain, one of the accused, has been arrested in connection with FIR No. 68/25 registered at Malviya Nagar police station. The investigation is now being handled by an ACP-rank officer and is being closely supervised by senior officials.
The case relates to a viral video that surfaced earlier this week, showing Harsh Singh and his wife Ruby Jain allegedly abusing three women from Arunachal Pradesh who live as tenants in the same building. The incident triggered widespread outrage across the country, with several political leaders and chief ministers from the Northeast demanding strict action.
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According to police, the incident occurred when the three women were getting electrical installation work done at their rented flat. During the work, some dust reportedly fell into the house of the accused, who live on the floor below. What began as an argument soon escalated into verbal abuse.
Police said the complainants alleged that the couple used racist and objectionable language, made derogatory remarks targeting their Northeastern identity, insulted their modesty and issued threats. No physical injury was reported, but the women said they were mentally harassed and humiliated.
“The complainants have further alleged that objectionable language was used, their modesty was insulted, and they were criminally intimidated. No physical injuries were reported; however, mental harassment and humiliation have been alleged. The case has been registered and investigation is in progress. Further legal action will be taken as per law,” police said.
In the viral video, the accused couple is heard calling the women “momo” and making remarks suggesting they ran a massage parlour and were sex workers. Ruby Jain is also heard claiming that her husband is the son of a customs officer and a politician. The women are seen objecting to the remarks in the presence of police personnel.
Following the backlash, Harsh Singh issued an apology and said the couple was ashamed of the incident.
“We are showing complete cooperation with Delhi Police and we have complete faith that the police and Indian judiciary stand with us and will clear everything through unbiased investigation… We are definitely ashamed. I am not such a person, but it was in the heat of the moment. We did not intend to do so… I want to ask the social media users to listen to both sides of the story… Our property was being attacked and one of my men was about to be attacked… The situation escalated after the woman came… Please do not do media trials, Do not call us Delhi Ke Darinde ouple –I have complete faith upon the Indian judiciary… We will accept whatever punishment we get… I am being sent obscene doctored images of my mother on social media, our family and profession should not be dragged into this… I personally apologise to all the Northeastern people…”
Delhi Police said charges were initially registered under sections related to outraging the modesty of a woman, criminal intimidation and promoting enmity between different groups. After further examination of evidence, provisions of the SC/ST Act were added to the case.
Further investigation is ongoing.
