Three Apprehended for Allegedly Assaulting Japanese Woman on Holi in Delhi

The purported video being circulated on Twitter shows a group of at least 10 men – some teenagers – grabbing the woman by her neck, spraying colour on her, and even smashing an egg on her head.

(Photo: Screenshot/Twitter)

Video Producer: Shohini Bose

Video Editor: Rajbir Singh

(Trigger warning: Descriptions of harassment)

Two days after a video of a group of men physically and sexually assaulting a Japanese woman while playing Holi surfaced online, the Delhi police has apprehended three persons, including one juvenile, after they allegedly confessed to the incident.

The purported video being circulated on Twitter shows a group of at least 10 men – some teenagers – grabbing the woman by her neck, spraying colour on her, and even smashing an egg on her head.

The woman is heard saying "bye, bye" while ducking away from the group, and even slaps a man who tries to grope her.

What did the police say? The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central Delhi, has confirmed that the woman in the video was a Japanese tourist who was staying in Paharganj area of Central Delhi. The DCP further added that"

• The woman did not make any complaint/call neither to Delhi Police nor to the embassy.

• She has made a tweet from her twitter handle that she has reached Bangladesh and is fit in her mind and body.

• The people seen in the video have been identified through filed officers and local intelligence. Three people, including one juvenile have been apprehended and enquired. They have confessed/admitted about the incident/happening seen in the video. They all are resident of the nearby area of Paharganj.

• Action has been initiated against the apprehended under Delhi Police Act, however, further legal action will be decided on merits and in accordance with the complaint by the woman, if any.

'Very Disturbing': DCW

Reacting to the purported video, Delhi Commission for Women chairperson Swati Maliwal said she would issue a notice to the Delhi Police to probe the incident.

"Very distrubing [sic] videos getting viral on social media showing sexual harassment with foreign nationals on Holi! I am issuing notice to Delhi Police to examine these videos and arrest the perpetrators! Completely shameful behaviour!"

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and a member of the National Commission for Women, Khushboo Sundar, also tweeted: "Sickening. The woman has to send a notice to NCW."