The Delhi High Court has ordered round-the-clock police deployment outside the house of a woman whose son is an accused in the Uttam Nagar Holi clash, following allegations that her family was being attacked by residents, including relatives of the man killed in the incident.
Justice Girish Kathpalia, in an order passed on September 30, said the accused’s family could not be left vulnerable to violence while legal proceedings against her son were under way.
The case stems from a clash between two neighbouring families with a longstanding dispute during Holi celebrations, in which 26-year-old Tarun was killed. Several people, including a minor, have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
“It is indeed a serious situation. Whatever be the legal proceedings pertaining to FIR no. ..., the same are against the son of the petitioner and in the same, law will take its course but the petitioner cannot be left vulnerable and prone to such violence,” the court observed.
The court was hearing a plea filed by Ms. Shahnaz, mother of one of the accused, seeking immediate and adequate police protection for herself and her family.
House attacked
Her counsel told the court that locals, including members of the deceased’s family, had been attacking the house for the past two days. Stones and bricks were allegedly thrown at the house, the counsel submitted, placing CCTV footage before the court in support of the claim.
A police officer present during the hearing assured the court that adequate personnel would be deployed immediately to prevent any further untoward incident.
Taking note of the CCTV footage showing that the house was located in a narrow lane, Justice Kathpalia said the location would make it easier for the police to secure the premises by deploying personnel there.
“At least till the situation becomes normal, the local police of Uttam Nagar shall ensure continuous round-the-clock deployment of sufficient personnel in that area, especially in the lane where the petitioner’s house is located,” the court directed.
The High Court also asked the police to submit a status report within a week, supported by reliable documentary evidence, detailing the deployment of personnel and other measures taken to prevent further violence.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 16.
