Arunachal racism row: ‘Please do not do media trials; I apologise to Northeastern people,’ says accused

Harsh Singh, one of the accused in the viral altercation that triggered allegations of racial abuse against women from Northeast India, has said he is cooperating with the investigation and has full faith in the judicial process.

As criticism mounted on social media, Singh stated that he and his associates are extending “complete cooperation” to the Delhi Police. He expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved through due process, adding that he trusts the Indian judiciary to conduct an impartial examination of the facts.

The controversy erupted after videos of the confrontation circulated widely online, prompting outrage, particularly among members of the Northeastern community. Several civil society groups and student bodies condemned the incident, describing it as another instance of racial discrimination faced by people from states such as Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram in metropolitan cities.

Responding to the backlash, Singh said he felt ashamed about the episode but denied any premeditated intent. According to him, the altercation escalated after dust from electrical installation work carried out by tenants allegedly fell into the premises below. He claimed that his property was being damaged and that one of his associates was about to be attacked, asserting that the situation intensified after a woman intervened. Singh urged the public to “listen to both sides” and cautioned against what he termed a “media trial,” stating that he would accept any punishment determined by a court of law.

He further alleged that his family had been targeted online, claiming that doctored and obscene images of his mother were being circulated on social media. “Our family and profession should not be dragged into this,” he said, while also issuing a personal apology to members of the Northeastern community for the hurt caused by the incident.

Police confirmed that a case has been registered at PS Malviya Nagar under Sections 79, 351(2), 3(5) and 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against Harsh Singh and his wife Ruby Jain, residents of Malviya Nagar. The complaint states that on February 20, 2026, at around 3:30 PM, three women tenants were carrying out electrical installation work at their rented premises when dust allegedly fell into the residence of the accused living on the lower floor.

The complainants have alleged that following this, the accused verbally abused them and made derogatory racial remarks targeting them as women from the Northeastern region. They further alleged that objectionable language was used, their modesty was insulted, and they were subjected to criminal intimidation. While no physical injuries were reported, the complainants have cited mental harassment and humiliation.

Officials said statements are being recorded and digital evidence, including viral video clips, is under examination. Further legal action will proceed in accordance with the findings of the investigation.