The Delhi Police on Saturday barricaded the entire Hasasal colony in Uttam Nagar, where a 26-year-old man was killed during clashes between two families from different communities in Holi. Delhi ministers also visited the victim’s family and assured them that the police would investigate the matter fairly. The police said they have also added sections of the SC/ST Act to the FIR.
Double and triple-layer barricades have been set up and are being guarded by police and paramilitary personnel, police officers said. They said that some people had also vandalized the accused’s house that day and that they were investigating all the allegations. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kaushal Pal Singh said: “We have also contacted people from both communities and appealed to them to maintain peace and order in the area. Apart from this, we also appeal to people not to pay attention to rumours and not to support those who are creating trouble.”
This action comes a day after various Hindu political groups organized protests and set fire to two cars.
In a post on X, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said: “The administration has been given clear and strict instructions to immediately arrest all those involved in this crime and ensure strict and speedy action against them in accordance with law.
At around 10.30 pm on Wednesday, an 11-year-old girl from a Hindu family threw a water balloon from her balcony while celebrating Holi, but the balloon burst on the road and splashed on a woman from the Muslim community, leading to a quarrel between the two families.
Tarun Kumar, 26, who was returning home after playing Holi around 11 pm, was attacked by the accused, police said, adding that he was attacked with bats, sticks and stones, which led to his death.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, said the two families have known each other for five decades. “It is not entirely a community issue. Families were always fighting over garbage, water, parking and other trivial issues. They also fight physically and later settle the issues. We are still investigating all the angles,” the officer said.
DCP Singh said that so far six people have been arrested in the case and one minor has been arrested.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family said they were not satisfied with the Delhi Police investigation and demanded central agencies to conduct a probe.
Memraj, Tarun’s father, said, “I lost my son and I want answers from the police but no one is talking to me for two days. They are investigating but they are not even telling about all the people who have been arrested. I want justice for my son. We want a CBI investigation. On Friday night, I went to the police station but they kicked me out. When we left the station, the local police started attacking the protesters. They even beat me with batons.”
He said: “My son was attacked by at least 15-20 people and most of them are walking around freely. Who are the police arresting?”
DCP Singh said that the police have already arrested the accused within a day and are making security arrangements.
Meanwhile, Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh and Health and Family Welfare Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Saturday met the family of the deceased.
“We have met the victim’s family…Delhi Police is conducting a fair investigation into the matter. We will also provide the family with financial compensation. I have had a conversation with the Joint Commissioner of Police and appropriate action is being taken. We will ensure that all the accused face legal action,” Pankaj Kumar Singh said.
