Family Demands CBI Probe into Brutal Holi Lynching in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar
In a tragic incident that has heightened tensions in southwest Delhi, the family of 26-year-old Tarun Butolia, who was fatally attacked during Holi celebrations in Uttam Nagar, has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. The victim’s father, Memraj, expressed frustration on Saturday over the lack of transparency in the police investigation, stating that authorities had informed them of five or six arrests but refused to show the detained individuals.
Delhi Police have confirmed the arrest of six suspects in connection with the murder. The accused are Umardeen (49), Jummadeen (36), Mustaque (46), Kamruddin (36), Muzzafar (25), and Tahir (18). According to officers, three of them—Umardeen, Kamruddin, and Jummadeen—are brothers, while the others are close relatives residing in the same locality. All reportedly work as wall painters. Charges under the SC/ST Act have been added to the murder FIR, and police are verifying a list of 15-20 individuals provided by the victim’s family.
The clash reportedly stemmed from a minor incident during Holi festivities when a child accidentally threw a water balloon on a woman, sparking a confrontation. Tarun’s elder brother, Arun Kumar, alleged that the woman escalated the matter, using it as a pretext for the attack. He claimed that 20-25 people participated in the assault. Police are still searching for the woman involved.
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Tarun’s uncle, Tek Chand, noted that updates from investigators improved after the family pressed for a CBI probe. Memraj, who works as a whitewash painter, highlighted the family’s dissatisfaction with the handling of the case.
The area remained tense on Saturday, with two additional companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed to maintain order. Nearly 200 police personnel were initially mobilized following the incident. Locals vandalized the house of one of the main accused, though authorities clarified that it was not set on fire; some vehicles linked to the suspects were burnt.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta condemned the killing on X, describing it as “extremely painful, condemnable and shocking.” She emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward such crimes and assured that strict instructions had been issued for the immediate arrest of all involved, along with full support for the victim’s family. Ministers Ravinder Indraj Singh and MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat visited the bereaved family, with Singh stating that those who marred the festival of Holi with violence would face consequences.