A plea in the Delhi High Court by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) has raised concerns over potential communal violence in West Delhi's Uttam Nagar ahead of the Eid festival. This follows the recent murder of 26-year-old Tarun Kumar during Holi. Locals express unease over social media rumours, amid heavy police deployment.
In Hastsal Colony of West Delhi's Uttam Nagar, 26-year-old Tarun Kumar was beaten to death by his Muslim neighbours during Holi on March 4 following a dispute. The altercation began when a water balloon was thrown at a Muslim woman. Social media subsequently saw calls for retribution, including 'Khoon ki Holi on Eid'. Tarun's father Memraj accused the accused family of prior fights over issues like parking and demanded the 'most stringent' punishment for all involved. Local residents, including Mohammad Aizad (36, naib imam), tailor Naushad (38), Ramzan Ansari (65), meat shop owner Sadiq Khan, and Sudhir Pawar, stated that tensions stem mainly from outsiders and social media, with the situation calming on the streets. Shops are bustling with Eid preparations like dry fruits and skull caps. Heavy barricading, Delhi Police deployment, and frequent Rapid Action Force (RAF) patrols are in place. The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) filed a plea in the Delhi High Court seeking urgent directions to police and administration for maintaining law and order. Congress MP from Kishanganj Mohammed Jawed, along with other Opposition MPs, wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah urging firm action against hate-mongers. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi posted on X that nothing was being done to reverse the 'atmosphere of violence'.
