Delhi HC directs authorities to ensure peace in Uttam Nagar after 'khoon ki Holi on Eid' threat

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed authorities to make sure that no one creates trouble or disturbs law and order, warning the police not to be careless, as any incident in Delhi can have wider consequences.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Delhi Police to make proper security arrangements in Uttam Nagar amid fears of possible violence during Eid.

The court also said that these arrangements should continue until the festival of Ram Navami, ANI reported.

During the hearing of the Uttam Nagar murder case, a bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya said that security should make people feel safe and protected.

“We thus direct the police and civil administration of the area to take all necessary action permissible under the law to ensure that the situation does not take any ugly turn and that an atmosphere is created conducive to the peaceful and dignified observance of the festival of Eid, which is likely to be tomorrow. Police bandobast to be made should be such that instils a sense of safety and security to all," HT quoted the bench as saying.

It also directed authorities to make sure that no one creates trouble or disturbs law and order, warning the police not to be careless, as any incident in Delhi can have wider consequences.

“Authorities shall also ensure that no one from any section of society to play any kind of mischief having the potential of creating any untoward situation. Mr Lau, ask your police authorities not to be lax. Whatever happens in Delhi has a ripple effect,” HT quoted the court as saying.

The matter will now be heard on April 6.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the BJP of inciting communal violence over the Uttam Nagar incident and appealed to the residents of Delhi not to fall for "any provocation."

Taking to X, Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed concerns over the Uttam Nagar clash and said that the people paid a heavy price for the violence.

"The people of Uttam Nagar have paid a heavy price for the violence - on one side, a young man, Tarun, lost his life, and on the other, an entire family is facing persecution. They don't want any more bloodshed. Bloodshed is what only the BJP and its ecosystem desire, which seizes every opportunity to bake the bread of violence on the griddle of hate," Gandhi wrote.

Uttam Nagar murder case

Tensions simmer in Delhi's Uttam Nagar after 26-year-old Tarun Kumar was beaten to death in JJ Colony during Holi celebrations on March 4.

The clash reportedly started when a water balloon from Tarun's family accidentally struck a neighborhood woman. Around 11 PM, as Tarun returned home, he was allegedly attacked with sticks, bats, and stones by a group, police said. He succumbed to injuries.

Post-incident, viral messages threatening the local Muslim community surfaced online, including inflammatory slogans like "khoon ki Holi Eid pe khelenge." Authorities are investigating communal angles amid claims from Hindu groups seeking "justice."

(With ANI inputs)