Delhi’s Uttam Nagar tense after man’s killing on Holi: Father demands CBI probe, security increased after protests erupt

In the morning, the Delhi Police, along with paramilitary personnel, held a flag march in the locality while two companies of paramilitary forces, along with local police, remain deployed.

A few members of a right-wing political outfit held a meeting with Tarun’s father and other family members. Politicians, including BJP West Delhi MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh, also met the family.

Friday, too, saw tense scenes in the locality.

According to sources, some people tried to torch the vehicle of the accused that was parked outside their locked home — they lived in the same JJ Colony — on Friday night.

On Friday evening, a group of people belonging to a right-wing political outfit gathered near Uttam Nagar Metro Station and blocked the road, demanding strict punishment for the accused. Later, the police dispersed them using minor force.

Police said a total of seven people have now been arrested — including a juvenile. On Friday, the police had arrested four people who live in the victim’s neighbourhood.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said all the accused are between the ages of 17 and 45. Two more people are yet to be nabbed, but the situation is under control, he added.

“We have made adequate arrangements to avoid any further incident. We have divided the locality into three sections — zones, sectors, and sub-sectors. The zones are supervised by officers of DCP rank, the sectors are handled by ACP-level officers, and the sub-sectors are managed by inspectors and sub-inspectors,” DCP Singh said.

He also said after Tarun’s death, murder charges were added to the FIR.

What transpired

According to police, the family claimed the dispute first arose after Tarun’s 11-year-old cousin threw a balloon filled with water and Holi colour from the terrace of a house towards her relative. But it hit the ground and the water splashed on the clothes of their neighbour.

The woman, Tarun’s family alleged in their police complaint, hurled abuses and left before returning with her relatives. A fight broke out and members of both families sustained injuries. After the scuffle, all returned home.
However, the accused’s family spotted Tarun when he was returning home and allegedly beat him up, leaving him injured on the road.

Tarun’s family has alleged the involvement of over a dozen people in the assault.

DCP Singh said it was found during the inquiry that on March 4, after the balloon-throwing incident, family members from both sides exchanged blows on the street in which three people from one side and five from the other sustained injuries. Except for one person (Tarun), the rest were discharged the same day.

He added, “Reportedly, the two families have known each other for the past five decades and have had trivial disputes over parking, garbage disposal, and other minor issues.”