In southeast Delhi’s Sunlight Colony area, a man from Manipur, along with his wife and sister, was reportedly assaulted by a group of individuals from the same state, as confirmed by the police on Saturday.
The victims initially informed the police that they belonged to the Meitei community and suspected that the assault was carried out by individuals from their perceived “opponent group.” However, the police, after identifying the accused, have clarified that the incident does not stem from any tribal or ethnic clashes.
The victims belong to the Meitei community, while the alleged assailants are from the Poumai community, according to an official statement.
The altercation occurred because both parties claimed that the other had “insulted” the females accompanying them, as reported by the police. A video of the incident has emerged, depicting individuals involved in a physical clash.
Police have identified two women seen in the video, along with other accused individuals named Vielsielou, Marizo, Alex, and James, who were reportedly at Vielsielou’s residence for a party.
According to the police, the man, his wife, and his sister were escorting a friend home on the night between Thursday and Friday. During this time, three strangers, including a woman, approached them, seeking assistance in booking a ride to Munirka due to their phone batteries being depleted.
While waiting for the ride confirmation, one of the accused allegedly began verbally abusing and insulting the man, leading to an assault on his wife and sister. The man objected to lewd remarks directed at his family members, prompting the accused to become violent and call additional individuals to the scene who joined in the attack.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast district) Rajesh Deo stated that a case has been registered at the Sunlight Colony police station, encompassing charges of hurt, rioting, and outraging the modesty of women. Further investigations are ongoing.
It’s noteworthy that Manipur has experienced ethnic clashes between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities since May, resulting in over 180 fatalities. In response to the surge in violence in the northeastern state, the Delhi Police had issued an alert.
(With PTI inputs)