A dispute over a colour-filled water balloon thrown during Holi celebrations allegedly led to the death of a 26-year-old man in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area, triggering protests and tension in the locality. Angry demonstrators set two vehicles on fire and smashed the windows of two others following the incident.
As the situation remained tense, heavy security was deployed in the area on Saturday morning, including personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF).
The incident took place on the night of Holi, March 4, in Uttam Nagar’s JJ Colony. According to reports, an 11-year-old girl from a Hindu family was throwing water balloons from the terrace of her house when one balloon accidentally hit a Muslim woman passing by. The woman objected to the act, which soon escalated into a heated argument and later a violent clash between members of the two families.
During the altercation, three members of the Hindu family were injured. Tarun Kumar, 26, who was among the injured, later died from his injuries.
Tarun’s family alleged that he was attacked by neighbours using bats, sticks and stones. According to them, Tarun had returned home about half an hour after the argument and was assaulted even before he could park his bike. His uncle Ramesh and grandfather Mann Singh were also injured in the attack.
Ramesh said the family had apologised after the balloon burst on the ground and water splashed on the woman’s burqa. “I apologised and even made the 11-year-old apologise. What else could we have done?” he said.
Both families involved in the dispute are originally from Rajasthan and have known each other for decades. They had earlier lived in slums near Uttam Nagar before moving to Hastsal Colony.
However, a senior police officer said the families had a history of frequent disputes over minor issues such as garbage disposal, water supply and parking. “It is not entirely a communal issue. The families have had several arguments in the past over petty matters. We are investigating all angles,” the officer said.
Ramesh also claimed that the same family had attacked them during Holi around 12 years ago.
Following Tarun’s death, members of Hindu organisations such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged protests in the area, demanding justice and strict action against those responsible. Police have registered a murder case, and eight people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident.
