Delhi HC Orders Police Protection for Uttam Nagar Holi Violence Victim’s Family

The Delhi High Court has directed the police to ensure protection for the family of 27-year-old Tarun Butolia, who lost his life during a violent clash that erupted during Holi celebrations in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar earlier this year.

Justice Girish Kathpalia passed the direction while hearing a plea filed by Tarun’s family, who sought immediate police protection citing serious threats to their lives and liberty following the incident. The family had also requested the Court to order the removal of allegedly threatening, inflammatory, and communally provocative videos related to the violence circulating on social media platforms.

During the hearing, the Delhi Police informed the Court that the local police had already been actively providing security and would continue to ensure the best possible protection to the family. The Additional DCP submitted that CCTV cameras had been installed in the lane where the family resides and in nearby surrounding blocks. Police pickets were also established in the area to maintain communal harmony and prevent further tensions.

Taking note of the submission, the Court requested the Additional DCP to direct the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) to personally share his mobile phone number with the petitioners so that they could directly contact him in case of any distress or emergency.

The Court observed:

“...the Additional DCP is requested to direct the concerned SHO to provide his personal mobile phone number to the petitioners so that they may contact him at the time of distress.”

The police further informed the Court that more than 250 inflammatory videos and objectionable content related to the incident had already been removed from social media platforms.

The Court also directed the family to provide specific details of any remaining objectionable videos or content to the local SHO, who was instructed to take immediate action in accordance with law.

Following these assurances and directions, Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioners informed the Court that the family was satisfied with the protection measures taken so far and requested that the matter be disposed of.

Accepting the submission, the Court disposed of the petition.

Background of the Incident

The violence took place on March 4 in JJ Colony, Uttam Nagar, where Tarun Butolia was killed during a clash between his family and their neighbours.

According to Delhi Police, the altercation reportedly began after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family accidentally splashed on a woman from the neighbouring family during Holi celebrations. What started as a festive dispute soon escalated into a violent confrontation, ultimately resulting in Tarun’s death.

Case Details

Title: Laxmi Devi and Others v. Union of India & Others

Appearance

For Petitioners:
Mr. Pramod Kumar Dubey, Senior Advocate, along with Mr. Anirudh Gupta, Mr. Ashish Gupta, Mr. Satyam Sharma, and Mr. Ram Chand, Advocates

For Respondents:
Mr. Sanjeev Bhandari, ASC, along with Mr. Arjit Sharma and Ms. Sakshi Jha, Advocates, with Additional DCP Ms. Niharika Bhatt, Dwarka


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