The Assam Association Jaipur has strongly condemned the horrific incident of racial abuse, sexual harassment and physical assault on Rashmi Shikha Sarma in Jaipur on October 31.
Rashmi Shikha Sarma, wife of Pankaj Sarma, an employee of Canara Bank, has been residing with her family in Ecoworld 3 Apartment, RR Homes, Adinath Nagar, Sirsi, Jaipur, for the past eight months.
As per the complaint, while Rashmi was on the apartment terrace to dry clothes, a resident, Abhinay Jain, allegedly subjected her to sexually offensive remarks and obscene behaviour. When she objected, the situation escalated into racial abuse, physical assault and threats, allegedly involving Abhinay Jain and his wife, Soma Jain.
Rashmi was subjected to derogatory and deeply humiliating racial remarks targeting her Northeastern identity, including an offensive comment equating women from the Northeast with commodities for sale. The assault reportedly took place inside the lift, where Soma Jain allegedly attempted to choke and strangle Rashmi. Abhinay Jain also allegedly threatened to parade her naked and throw her and her three-year-old son off the terrace.
What makes this incident even more disturbing is that the entire episode reportedly unfolded in the presence of Rashmi’s three-year-old child. The family has been left deeply traumatised. CCTV footage is stated to have captured the incident.
An FIR has been registered at Bindayaka Police Station.
“The Assam Association Jaipur stands firmly with Pankaj Sarma, Rashmi Shikha Sarma and their family during this difficult time. Racial discrimination, sexual harassment, physical violence and threats have absolutely no place in a civilised society. It is deeply appalling that people from Northeast India continue to face such humiliation and discrimination in their own country,” a statement issued by the association stated.
“We strongly urge the Rajasthan Police and the concerned authorities to conduct a prompt and impartial investigation and ensure the strictest possible legal action against all those responsible. The CCTV evidence must be examined, and the victim and her family must be provided adequate protection. We demand justice for Rashmi,” the statement said.
Assam Association Jaipur condemns assault on Assamese woman, demands police action
