4 more arrested after man’s death in clash over Holi balloon in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar

Four more people were arrested on Friday in connection with the killing of a 26-year-old man during clashes between two families from different communities in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area, taking the total number of arrests to eight, police said. One minor has also been apprehended in the case.

Tensions continued in the locality for the third consecutive day, with protesters setting two vehicles on fire and damaging two others, according to officials. Police said the violence began around 10.30 pm on Wednesday in the JJ Colony area of Uttam Nagar. An 11-year-old girl from a Hindu family was celebrating Holi on her terrace and throwing water balloons at people below. One of the balloons hit a Muslim woman, who objected, triggering an argument that escalated into a clash between members of the two families.

During the confrontation, several people from both sides allegedly assaulted each other with bats, sticks and stones. At least four people were injured. Tarun Kumar later succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning.

According to police, protests broke out on Friday afternoon when members of a Hindu political group allegedly set fire to two vehicles while shouting slogans against the Muslim community. Officials from the Delhi Fire Service said they received a call from the spot and found a car and a motorcycle gutted in the incident.

Residents also staged demonstrations outside Uttam Nagar Metro Station, the local police station and Hastsal Colony, blocking roads for a second day. Several shops in the area remained shut amid the tension.

Family members of the deceased alleged that Kumar was attacked by neighbours when he arrived at the spot. His uncle Ramesh said the girl had apologised after the balloon burst near the woman’s burqa, but the dispute still turned violent.

However, a senior police officer said the two families have known each other for decades and have frequently clashed over minor issues such as garbage disposal, water and parking disputes. “It’s not entirely a communal issue. The families have a history of fights over petty matters,” the officer said.

Kumar, the youngest of three siblings, was pursuing diplomas in interior designing and digital marketing and hoped to work in Gurugram, his relatives said. Kushal Pal Singh confirmed that a murder case has been registered and investigations are ongoing.