Holi water splash results in youngster's murder; Tensions prevail in Uttam Nagar

NEW DELHI: A 50-year-old feud was rekindled when a minor Holi water splash resulted in the murder of a youngster in Delhi's Uttam Nagar. As per reports on national dailies, the two families were neighbours for the past 50 years, and tensions remained over garbage disposal and parking issues.

Victim Tarun’s father said that during the Holi celebration, the water hurled by a small girl fell on the woman of the neighbouring family, starting a minor altercation. At 11 pm, the family came as a horde to attack the neighbours over the issue. Despite tendering an apology, they were not pacified. Almost 10 to 12 people attacked the family with sticks, forcing them to get inside their compound and lock the gates. Tarun’s father and his brother were beaten to injury, while his mother was also not spared.

Unaware of the happening, Tarun was walking home late into the night after celebrating Holi with his friends. The neighbouring family with almost ten people were waiting for his return. Tarun jumped in front of him and was brutally beaten to death.

After the issue caused massive outrage, even condemning social media posts by celebrities, the civic authorities razed down the house of the accused. Tensions have not eased in the JJ Colony area. Tarun’s family demanded more action and said the demolition was not enough.

Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged a protest in the area, following which cars and other vehicles were set on fire. Police said that eight people have been arrested in the case, which also includes a minor.