Man beaten to death in Holi clash in Uttam Nagar; protests erupt
A 26-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death with rods and sticks during a clash between two families in West Delhi’s Uttam Nagar on Holi, triggering protests, vandalism and heavy police deployment in the area over the following days.
The victim, identified as Tarun, died during treatment after he was attacked by a group of people on Wednesday evening. Authorities have so far arrested six people in connection with the case, including a juvenile, and are examining CCTV footage to identify other suspects.
According to the preliminary investigation, the dispute began after a nine-year-old girl from Tarun’s family accidentally threw a water balloon from the terrace of their house. The balloon reportedly landed on a woman who lived in the same locality. Tarun’s father, Memraj, alleged that the situation escalated despite the family apologising for the incident. He claimed that the woman soon returned with several members of her community.
“Within a short time, around 15 to 20 people gathered with sticks and rods and started attacking us,” Memraj told reporters. He said family members ran inside their house to escape the assault, but the attackers allegedly locked the door from outside. Several members of the family sustained injuries during the incident, he added.
Tarun, who had been playing Holi elsewhere and was unaware of the clash, returned home during the chaos. According to family members, the group attacked him as soon as he entered the street.
His uncle Ramesh said around eight to ten people allegedly assaulted Tarun with sticks, rods and stones. “He had no idea about the fight. But they attacked him repeatedly and hit his head,” he said. Tarun, who was studying digital marketing, was rushed to the hospital but later died during treatment.
A grieving Memraj said his son was the main support for the family. He urged authorities to take strict action against those responsible for the attack. He also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to ensure justice.
The violence sparked tension in the locality in the following days. On Friday and Saturday, protests broke out in the area, with members of organisations such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad staging demonstrations. A group of protesters gathered near Uttam Nagar East Metro Station and staged a sit-in protest, blocking traffic for several hours. During the unrest, a mob allegedly vandalised the house linked to the suspects involved in the killing.
Police said further investigation into the case is ongoing, and efforts are underway to identify and arrest others involved in the assault using CCTV footage and other evidence.
CM Rekha condemns incident, promises action
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta termed the incident extremely painful, condemnable, and shocking to the entire society.
"Delhi has a zero-tolerance policy for such heinous and violent crimes. Such brutality will not be tolerated at any cost," the Chief Minister said.
The administration has been given clear and strict instructions to immediately arrest all those involved in this crime and ensure strict action against them.
The Delhi Government stands with the victim's family during this difficult time. I will ensure that the family receives all possible assistance and justice.
