Delhi HC closes Uttam Nagar Holi killing plea after police assure family protection

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has disposed of a petition by the family of a youth killed in Holi violence in Uttam Nagar, satisfied with police assurances of "best possible protection".

Justice Girish Kathpalia recorded submissions from Additional Standing Counsel Sanjeev Bhandari and Additional DCP Niharika Bhatt that security has been bolstered around the petitioners' residence, including continuous surveillance, dedicated pickets, and CCTV across the locality to maintain communal harmony.

The SHO will share his personal mobile number for emergencies, and any fresh inflammatory social media content flagged by the family must be swiftly addressed. Police reported removing over 250 objectionable posts and are probing threats via ACP-level inquiry, with evidence preserved.

Senior counsel for petitioners Laxmi Devi and others confirmed satisfaction with the measures. The court closed the plea accordingly.

The case concerns 26-year-old Tarun Kumar's death last month after a water balloon dispute escalated into a group clash. He was fatally assaulted with rods, sticks, bricks, and stones near his home.

The Supreme Court earlier refused a court-monitored probe, urging the family approach Delhi Police directly and praising the force's professionalism. The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance, issuing notices for a thorough investigation and threat assessment.

(Inputs from IANS)

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