Overview

• The alleged assault involved Leela and Rubi Dutta breaking a window with a hammer and hurling caste- and race-based slurs at Gorkha women students in Hakimpara
• A video recorded by one of the victims went viral on social media and spurred nationwide demonstrations by Nepali-speaking organizations
• Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the accused sisters’ residence demanding apologies and improved safety measures for hill community residents
• Senior police officers have urged the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to unfold while investigators probe the allegations
• Local MPs and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration leaders have condemned the attack and are pressing the state assembly to pass an Anti-Racism Bill