NEW DELHI: Anger spilled onto the streets of southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar on Friday as protesters blocked a major road for hours, vehicles were set ablaze and traffic ground to a halt following the death of a 26-year-old man who was beaten during a Holi clash.Members of Hindu outfits, including Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, gathered in large numbers beneath the Uttam Nagar East Metro station, sitting on the road and raising slogans while demanding strict action against those accused in the killing.
Amid the rising tension, a car and a motorcycle parked in JJ Colony were also set on fire. Meanwhile, heavy police deployment has been made across the area, with additional officers and paramilitary personnel stationed to prevent any escalation. Drones were also deployed to monitor the protest site and identify those blocking the road.
Man killed over Holi colour dispute
The unrest follows the death of Tarun, 26, who succumbed to injuries after a violent clash between two families during Holi celebrations in JJ Colony on Wednesday. According to police, the dispute began when coloured water from a balloon splashed onto a woman, triggering a heated argument that quickly spiralled into a physical fight.Speaking to TOI, Tarun’s uncle, Tek Chand, said their relative, an 11-year-old girl, was playing Holi on the terrace when she threw a water balloon at her father standing below. The balloon fell onto the road and splashed water on a woman from the neighbouring family, who, according to Tarun’s family, belonged to a different community. “We apologised, but she didn’t listen and called her relatives, picking up a fight with us,” he said.Tek Chand claimed the matter was initially settled. About an hour later, Tarun was returning on his bike after playing Holi with a friend. A group of 15-20 people, according to Tek Chand, stopped him and allegedly assaulted him with iron rods, bricks, stones and other objects.
