Holi clash in Uttam Nagar leaves one dead: 4 arrested, juvenile held

Tension gripped Uttam Nagar after a 26-year-old man was killed in a clash between two families during Holi celebrations, prompting authorities to deploy additional police and paramilitary forces in the area.

According to police, the incident occurred during Holi festivities when an altercation broke out between members of two families belonging to different communities. The dispute soon escalated into violence in which several people from both sides were injured.

The deceased, identified as Tarun , allegedly suffered serious injuries during the assault and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said four people have been arrested and a juvenile apprehended in connection with the case , while efforts are underway to identify and nab others involved.

Police said preliminary investigation suggests the clash began after coloured water from a water balloon accidentally splashed on a woman from the other family. Tarun’s relatives alleged that an 11-year-old girl from their family, who was playing Holi on their terrace, had thrown the balloon at relatives standing below, but it landed on the road and splashed the woman passing by.

According to Tarun’s family, the woman allegedly began abusing them and soon gathered several members of her family, who allegedly attacked those celebrating Holi. Although the situation initially appeared to calm down, the family claimed that a group later gathered again and assaulted Tarun when he was returning home after playing Holi with his friends.

Following the incident, tension prevailed in the locality as relatives of the deceased and local residents gathered outside the police station demanding strict action against the accused. Members of a Hindu political outfit also joined the protest and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the police for arrests.

As the families involved belong to different communities and protests erupted after the death, security was tightened and additional forces were deployed to prevent the situation from escalating. Police are examining CCTV footage and recording witness statements as part of the ongoing investigation.