The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to ensure strong protection for the family of a 26-year-old man who was allegedly killed during a violent clash in the Uttam Nagar Holi incident, taking necessary steps to curb inflammatory content online.
Justice Girish Kathpalia recorded the state’s contentions that adequate security arrangements were already in place, including installation of CCTV cameras in the area and deployment of police pickets to maintain law and order.
The court was informed that police forces were stationed directly outside the petitioners’ house to protect them. She also directed the SHO concerned to share his personal mobile number with the family so that they can get in touch immediately in case of any threat or emergency.
Taking into account the digital dimension, the court noted that more than 250 inflammatory and socially sensitive videos related to the incident have already been removed from social media platforms. Petitioners are given the freedom to report any further such content for immediate removal.
On the issue of recent threats, including the April 13 incident, the court recorded that the police had collected relevant materials and that the matter was being examined by an ACP officer for appropriate action.
Senior advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey appeared for the petitioners, along with advocates Anirudh Gupta, Ashish Gupta, Satyam Sharma and Ram Chand.
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The case relates to the murder of 26-year-old Tarun in Uttam Nagar on March 4, 2026, during Holi. According to the petition filed by his mother, Lakshmi Devi, and his family, the incident occurred due to a minor altercation involving balloon throwing by a child, which escalated into a violent clash, leading to Tarun’s death.
An FIR has been registered at Uttam Nagar police station under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Under the petition, 22 defendants were identified, 18 of whom were arrested, while the others are still on the run.
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The family, who are key witnesses, claimed that they were subjected to constant threats and intimidation by the defendants and their companions, including attempts to pressure them to withdraw from the case. The petition specifically referred to an incident on April 13, in which women allegedly related to the accused threatened the family and warned of further harm.
The petition also raised concerns about the circulation of inflammatory videos on social media, alleging that such content has exacerbated tensions in the region and increased the perception of threat.
