Parking, garbage among old grudges: How 50-year feud exploded on Holi in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, left 26-year-old dead

NEW DELHI: What began as a minor Holi mishap in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar spiralled into a deadly clash between two neighbouring families whose disputes date back nearly five decades — a feud fuelled by everyday frictions over parking, garbage disposal and neighbourhood tensions. The violence on March 4 left 26-year-old Tarun dead and triggered protests, arson and heavy police deployment in the area. Police said eight people, including a minor, have been apprehended so far in connection with the incident. On Sunday, officers arrested the eighth accused, 38-year-old Imran alias Bunty. Investigators found that the two families had been neighbours for nearly 50 years and had long-standing disputes over issues such as parking and garbage disposal.

During the clash, eight people sustained injuries — three from one family and five from the other. Most were discharged from hospital the same day, but Tarun was admitted with serious injuries. An FIR was initially registered under provisions related to attempt to commit culpable homicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. After Tarun died during treatment on March 5, the charge of murder was added. Police said the situation in the locality remains tense but under control.

Residents have been urged not to believe rumours, and authorities warned that action would be taken against anyone attempting to give the incident a communal colour or disturb law and order. Tensions escalated further on Friday when a car and a motorcycle were set on fire and protests broke out in the area. Members of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad staged a demonstration near Delhi Metro’s Uttam Nagar East station, blocking the main road and demanding strict action against those responsible for the killing.According to police, the quarrel erupted around 11.09pm on March 4 in the JJ Colony area of Uttam Nagar after a girl from one family accidentally splashed coloured water on a woman from the neighbouring household while playing Holi. The incident quickly escalated as members of both families gathered on the street and began exchanging blows. Police said mild force had to be used to disperse the protesters after repeated appeals failed. Additional police and paramilitary personnel have since been deployed in the area as a precautionary measure.