Tension gripped West Delhi’s Uttam Nagar following the death of a 26-year-old man during a clash between two families belonging to different communities on the day of Holi. The area remained sensitive for several days as protests erupted and incidents of vandalism were reported, although relative calm returned on Saturday amid heavy police deployment.
According to preliminary findings, the dispute began after a nine-year-old girl from the victim’s family accidentally threw a water balloon from a terrace, which landed on a woman living in the same locality. Police said the situation escalated soon after despite an apology from the girl’s family.
The deceased has been identified as Tarun. His father, Memraj, told PTI that the woman allegedly gathered several people from her community following the incident. He claimed that a group of around 15 to 20 individuals arrived carrying sticks and rods and began assaulting family members. According to him, the attackers allegedly locked the family inside their house from the outside, leading to injuries among several relatives.
Tarun, who had been playing Holi and was unaware of the confrontation, returned home during the unrest. Family members alleged that he was attacked by a group of men as soon as he entered the street. His uncle, Ramesh, told PTI that Tarun was beaten with sticks, iron rods, and stones and suffered severe head injuries. He later died while undergoing medical treatment.
Memraj said Tarun had been pursuing studies in digital marketing and was the primary support for the family. He appealed for strict action against those responsible. Police said six individuals, including a juvenile, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Subsequent protests further heightened tensions in the area. Members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged demonstrations over two days. Protesters gathered near Uttam Nagar East Metro Station and held a sit-in that disrupted traffic for several hours.
Incidents of violence were also reported during the protests. A car and a motorcycle were set on fire by agitated demonstrators, and a house allegedly linked to the accused was vandalised. Police sources said mild force was used to disperse the crowd after repeated appeals to vacate the protest site went unheeded.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the locality to identify additional suspects. As a precautionary measure, additional police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across Uttam Nagar to maintain law and order.
