Delhi High Court Directs Police Protection for Family of Holi Clash Victim Tarun Butolia

April 24, 2026 : The Delhi High Court has directed the police to ensure protection for the family of 27-year-old Tarun Butolia, who was killed during a violent clash in Uttam Nagar during Holi celebrations earlier this year.

Justice Girish Kathpalia instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to make sure that the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) shares his personal mobile number with the victim’s family, enabling them to seek immediate help in case of any emergency. The direction came while hearing a plea filed by the family, who expressed fears of serious threats to their lives and liberty.

The family had also sought the removal of allegedly inflammatory, threatening, and communally sensitive content circulating on social media in connection with the incident.

During the hearing, the Delhi Police informed the Court that adequate security arrangements were already in place. The Additional DCP stated that CCTV cameras had been installed in and around the family’s residence, and police personnel had been deployed in the area to maintain communal harmony.

Recording these submissions, the Court reiterated that the SHO must remain accessible and responsive to the family during any situation of distress.

The police further told the Court that more than 250 objectionable posts and videos had already been taken down from social media platforms. The Court directed the family to provide details of any remaining such content to the SHO, who was instructed to act promptly in accordance with the law.

Following these assurances, counsel for the petitioners informed the Court that the family was satisfied, and the petition was disposed of.

The incident occurred on March 4 in JJ Colony, Uttam Nagar. According to police, the violence began after a water balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family accidentally splashed a woman from a neighbouring family during Holi celebrations, which escalated into a fatal clash.