As people celebrated Holi on March 4, tragedy struck 26-year-old Tarun's family in southwest Delhi's Uttam Nagar. A verbal duel with his neighbours escalated quickly and turned into violent clashes, ending with his death.
Massive protests by members of the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad rocked the area, blocking traffic for several hours. A car and a motorcycle were set ablaze by angry protesters.
The protests were staged under the Uttam Nagar East metro station, demanding strict action against those involved in Tarun's killing. The family alleged that the dispute started when an 11-year-old girl threw a water balloon at her relatives below, splashing coloured water on a woman.
The verbal duel soon escalated into a violent clash, with several people on both sides suffering injuries. Tarun's grandfather said the woman began hurling abuses and picked a fight after the colour was splashed on her.
Police have arrested four people and apprehended a juvenile in connection with the killing. They are examining CCTV footage and recording statements of witnesses to establish the exact sequence of events.
Security will remain heightened in the locality, and residents are appealed to maintain peace and not pay heed to rumours.
