Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 8: Tensions flared in Uttam Nagar in West Delhi after a 26-year-old man was killed during a clash between two families from different communities on Holi. Police said normalcy returned on Saturday, though heavy security deployment remains in the area.

The victim, Tarun, allegedly died after being attacked with rods and sticks during a dispute that began when a nine-year-old girl from his family accidentally threw a water balloon from the terrace that landed on a woman living nearby.

According to preliminary investigations, the girl’s family apologised to the woman, but the situation escalated when several people gathered shortly afterward.

Tarun’s father Memraj told Press Trust of India that around 15–20 people arrived armed with sticks and rods and attacked the family.

“Soon, 15-20 people came with sticks and rods and started attacking us. We ran inside the house, but they locked the door from outside. Several family members were injured,” he said.
Tarun, who had gone out to play Holi and was unaware of the confrontation, was allegedly attacked when he returned home.

His uncle Ramesh said a group of around eight to ten people assaulted him with rods, sticks and stones, repeatedly hitting his head. Tarun later died during treatment.

Memraj said his son, who was studying digital marketing, was the sole support of the family. He appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to ensure strict action against those responsible.

Police said six people, including a juvenile, have been arrested so far in connection with the case.

The incident triggered protests in the area over the next two days. Members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged demonstrations demanding action against the accused.

On Friday, protesters gathered near Uttam Nagar East Metro Station, blocking traffic for several hours during a sit-in protest. A car and a motorcycle were also set on fire, while a house allegedly linked to the accused was vandalised earlier.

Police said mild force had to be used to disperse the crowd after repeated appeals failed.

Authorities are currently examining CCTV footage from the locality to identify and arrest more suspects. Additional police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in Uttam Nagar as a precautionary measure to prevent further unrest.