A tea break at a roadside stall in Delhi turned into a nightmare for two women from the Northeast when a dispute over catcalling escalated into physical violence and racial slurs. The women alleged that, after they objected to the harassment, a group of men near the stall on Sunday morning tore their clothes, assaulted them with bamboo sticks, and subjected them to racist abuse.
According to police and PTI, the incident was reported from the Nehru Place area in southeast Delhi, and four individuals have been identified in connection with the case, with raids currently underway to apprehend them.The incident occurred at about 6:30 am on May 10 near a tea stall outside the hotel. A PCR call about the matter reached the Kalkaji police station at around 7 am, after which local police teams hurried to the location and found the two women there.
According to a senior police officer, an initial investigation indicated that the women were reportedly targeted with insulting comments and verbal abuse by a group of men, which subsequently intensified into a physical confrontation.
Catcalling, argument, followed by violence
The women claimed they were drinking tea outside the hotel when two men began catcalling them. Before long, several more individuals joined in, sparking a confrontation that eventually turned violent. One of the complainants alleged that she was molested during the incident and that her clothes were torn. The women also alleged that racist remarks were passed against them by the accused," the officer said.
One of the women further claimed that she was struck with a bamboo stick as they tried to leave the location. The accused also reportedly obstructed their way and warned them of repercussions if they revealed what had happened.
Accused identified, case filed
The two women were taken to AIIMS for medical examination, and a case has been filed at the Kalkaji police station under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 74 (assault or use of criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 78 (stalking), and 3(5) (common intention) of the BNS. The investigation into the case is ongoing, the police said.
The women informed the police that they could recognize the accused if he is brought before them. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby locations, and several witnesses and bystanders who were present at the time of the incident have been identified and questioned.
Police stated that during the investigation, eight people including witnesses and bystanders were detained and questioned, after which four primary suspects linked to the incident were identified.Multiple police teams have been formed, and raids are underway at locations linked to the accused to apprehend them. No arrests have been made so far, police said.
