Uttam Nagar Holi killing: Delhi HC closes plea after police assure protection to victim’s family

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) The Delhi High Court has disposed of a petition filed by the family of a youth killed in Holi-related violence in Uttam Nagar, after noting submissions by the police that the situation is under constant watch and that “the best possible protection” is being provided to the petitioners.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Girish Kathpalia recorded the submission that the local police is actively monitoring developments on the ground and has taken comprehensive steps to safeguard the lives and liberty of the victim’s family and witnesses.

Additional Standing Counsel, Sanjeev Bhandari, along with Additional DCP Niharika Bhatt, informed the Delhi High Court that security arrangements have been strengthened in and around the petitioners’ residence, with continuous surveillance and deployment of personnel to prevent any untoward incident.

The police further apprised that CCTV cameras have been installed across the locality and police pickets created in the surrounding blocks to maintain communal harmony.

A dedicated picket has also been stationed directly outside the petitioners’ house as part of the protective measures.

Taking note of the assurance of “best possible protection”, Justice Kathpalia also requested that the SHO concerned share his personal mobile number with the petitioners to enable immediate access to police assistance in case of distress.

The petition, filed by Laxmi Devi and others, sought directions to ensure safety and security of the victim’s family and witnesses linked to an FIR registered at Uttam Nagar police station, besides removal of inflammatory and provocative content circulating on social media.

On the issue of objectionable content online, the police informed the court that more than 250 such videos and posts had already been taken down.

The Delhi High Court directed that any further specific content flagged by the petitioners be promptly acted upon by the SHO in accordance with law.

The police further apprised that they had collected relevant material, including video footage, in connection with complaints of threats allegedly issued to the family, and that the matter was being examined by an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

In view of the steps taken and assurances given, the senior counsel appearing for the petitioners stated that they were satisfied with the measures put in place.

The Delhi High Court accordingly disposed of the petition.

The case relates to the killing of 26-year-old Tarun Kumar following a violent clash in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar during Holi celebrations last month.

According to police, the violence was triggered by a minor dispute involving a water balloon, which escalated into a confrontation between two groups.

Tarun Kumar, who was returning home, was allegedly intercepted near his residence and assaulted with rods, sticks, bricks and stones, leading to fatal injuries.

Earlier, the Supreme Court of India had declined to entertain a plea seeking a court-monitored probe into the incident, granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the Delhi Police Commissioner.

“Delhi Police is a professional force, why demoralise them?” the apex court remarked, while observing that reliefs such as protection to the victim’s family should first be sought from the police authorities.

Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken cognisance of the incident, observing that the allegations, if true, prima facie indicate a violation of human rights.

It has issued notices to authorities, directing a thorough and impartial probe, preservation of evidence, and assessment of threat perception to the victim’s family.

–IANS

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