Delhi FIR sought over viral racial abuse video targeting Tripura resident
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Tripura Students Forum Delhi (TSF'D) on Thursday, 22 October 2026, filed a formal complaint with the Delhi Police, demanding registration of an FIR and an urgent investigation into an alleged incident of sexual assault, racial harassment, and humiliation of an individual from Tripura, reportedly depicted in a video that has been circulating on Instagram. The move comes after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju raised the issue on social media, drawing national attention to the case. Tripura Police have separately begun registering a case under relevant legal provisions.
What the Complaint Alleges
In its written submission, TSF'D described a video allegedly showing an individual from Tripura being subjected to sexual assault, harassment, and humiliating treatment at the hands of a social media content creator. The Forum stated that, if the allegations are established through investigation, they would raise 'serious concerns regarding the individual's dignity, bodily autonomy and safety, as well as the protection of people from the Northeast against racial discrimination and harassment.'
The complaint specifically flagged the use of racially derogatory terms — including 'Chinki' and 'Chiness' — reportedly directed at the individual in the video. It noted that 'such expressions, when used to demean or humiliate a person on account of their perceived ethnic or regional identity, raise serious concerns about racial prejudice, dignity and equal treatment.'
Broader Concern for the Northeast Community
Beyond the assault allegations, TSF'D expressed concern over derogatory language directed at Tripura itself in the video, characterising it as an insult to the entire state and its people. According to the complaint, the circulation of such content on social media risks normalising ridicule and contempt towards Northeastern communities, particularly when paired with alleged acts of harassment.
The Forum said the content has caused widespread anguish among the Tripura community in Delhi and is perceived as an affront to the state's dignity and reputation. This is not an isolated concern — students and workers from the Northeast have historically faced racial prejudice in Indian cities, and advocacy groups have long flagged under-reporting of such incidents.
Key Demands Raised with Delhi Police
The TSF'D complaint outlined several specific requests to the authorities, including: formal registration of an FIR if warranted by facts and applicable law; an urgent and impartial investigation into the alleged assault and racial humiliation; identification of the person operating the Instagram account in question, as well as any individuals who may have participated in, facilitated, or recorded the incident; and preservation of electronic evidence — including original recordings, metadata, account details, and upload history — through lawful processes and appropriate requests to the social media platform.
The Forum also urged police to locate and sensitively record the statement of the affected individual through a safe and confidential process, while ensuring protection against further intimidation or unwanted public exposure.
SPUNER and IFSO Units Activated
Delhi Police sources confirmed that SPUNER — the Special Police Unit for North-Eastern Region — had written to the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit, requesting a dedicated investigation into the viral video. The IFSO unit, which specialises in cybercrime and digital evidence, will now examine the footage and pursue the matter further.
Meanwhile, Tripura Police are independently moving to register a case under applicable legal provisions, with further action to follow in accordance with the law. The parallel proceedings in two states underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating the complaint.
What Happens Next
With both IFSO and Tripura Police now activated, investigators will focus on establishing the identity of the content creator, verifying the authenticity and provenance of the video, and ensuring that the affected individual receives appropriate support. The case is likely to intensify scrutiny on social media platforms' role in hosting and amplifying content that allegedly depicts abuse and racial discrimination against individuals from India's Northeast.