Delhi CM condemns 'heartbreaking' Holi murder, assures strict action

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta condemned the killing of a 25-year-old in Uttam Nagar during Holi, vowing strict action. Delhi Police has arrested seven people, including a minor, and registered a case under murder and the SC/ST Act.

CM vows 'zero tolerance', strict action

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condemned the killing of a 25-year-old man during Holi celebrations in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, calling the incident "heartbreaking and reprehensible" and assuring strict action against those involved.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister said Delhi has a zero-tolerance policy towards violent crimes and directed authorities to ensure the immediate arrest of all accused and swift legal action in the case.

"This brutal murder of an innocent youth in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, on the auspicious occasion of Holi, is extremely painful, condemnable, and shocking to the entire society. Delhi has a zero-tolerance policy for such heinous criminal and violent incidents. Such brutality will not be tolerated at any cost. Clear and strict instructions have been given to the administration to immediately arrest all those involved in this crime and ensure the strictest and swiftest action against them in accordance with the law. Strict and exemplary action will be taken in this case so that no one dares to commit such inhuman acts in the future," Gupta said.

She also assured the victim's family that the Delhi government stands with them and will ensure all possible assistance and justice.

"The Delhi government stands with the victim's family with full sympathy, responsibility, and determination during this difficult time. I will take action to provide the family with all possible assistance and justice. Tarun's family has lost their young son; their grief cannot be expressed in words. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to bear this unbearable grief," the Chief Minister said.

होली के पावन पर्व पर दिल्ली के उत्तम नगर में एक मासूम युवा की जघन्य हत्या की यह घटना अत्यंत दर्दनाक, निंदनीय और पूरे समाज को झकझोर देने वाली है। दिल्ली में इस प्रकार की जघन्य आपराधिक और हिंसक घटनाओं के लिए शून्य सहनशीलता की नीति है। इस तरह की दरिंदगी किसी भी कीमत पर बर्दाश्त… — Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) March 7, 2026

Police make arrests, invoke SC/ST Act

According to Delhi Police, the case has now been registered under the murder charge along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said that police acted swiftly after the incident and arrested several accused in the case.

"We immediately arrested five people in this case, including a 17-year-old minor. The next day, based on the family's statement, we arrested two more people," Singh said, adding that the police are continuing their investigation.

Dispute triggered by minor balloon incident

He explained that the dispute was triggered by a minor incident involving a child.

"The trigger point was that on March 4th, a 9-year-old girl threw a balloon from the roof at around 10.30 pm, causing it to fall on a woman. Initially, there was an argument between the two families, and then a fight broke out. We will interrogate the woman," the DCP told the media.

Heavy police presence deployed

According to Singh, authorities have deployed a heavy police presence in the area to maintain law and order.

"Given the situation, we have deployed adequate forces here. Along with the local police, we have also called in staff from the Outer District and the West District. We have also deployed CRPF and RAF personnel. We have divided the entire area into zones, where we have assigned a DCP to each zone, an ACP to each sector, and an ASI to each sub-sector," he said.

Victim's family demands justice

Meanwhile, the victim's family has demanded strict action against all those involved.

Tarun's elder brother, Arun Kumar, alleged that around 20-25 people were involved in the clash and urged authorities to ensure justice for the family. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)