Sonu, son of Aas Mohammed
A 60-year-old Muslim man was shot dead in Uttar Pradesh's Ghazipur district on Sunday, March 8, shortly after his release from jail over a Holi brawl.
The feud erupted on March 4 in Chandipur village under Karanda police station when someone was splashed with Holi colors without consent. Youths clashed, adults intervened, and police arrested victim Aas Mohammed and his son Sonu. They were released the same day.
Per the FIR, around 9:30 a.m., Pinkal Pandey—identified as the main accused—arrived at Mohammed's home with Kariya Rai, Gore Rai, Angrez Rai, village head Mantu Rai, and others. They hurled abuses. When Mohammed objected, Pandey shot him with a licensed revolver. The bullet struck him down; he was rushed to Karanda Primary Health Centre but declared dead on arrival.
Police have registered a murder case, detained suspects for questioning, and sent the body for postmortem. "We will ensure those responsible for the act will be arrested," Karanda police stated in a video.
Villagers alleged Mohammed suffered beatings in custody, emerging with visible injuries. They claimed Pinkal's group was quickly released, while Mohammed and other Muslims remained jailed. A relative told reporters the elderly man bore marks of assault.
This is the second Holi-related clash turning fatal. In Delhi, 26-year-old Tarun died after a mob allegedly attacked him with sticks, rods, and stones near his home following a dispute.