The High Court has directed the police to provide protection to the mother of Ismail, a main accused in the killing of a man during Holi celebrations in Delhi's Uttam Nagar. The court also halted further action on alleged encroachments in the area following the incident.
On Thursday, the High Court directed the Delhi Police to provide protection to the mother of Ismail, a main accused in the killing of a 26-year-old man during Holi celebrations in Delhi's Uttam Nagar. The court heard a petition filed by Ismail's mother who stated that for the past two days, some residents of the area had been throwing stones and bricks at her home. Her counsel also showed CCTV footage to support the claim. The court considered it a 'serious situation'.
The 26-year-old’s killing had sparked tensions in the area. Several vehicles were damaged and some were set on fire during protests by residents, following which police and paramilitary personnel were deployed. On March 14, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi seized and demolished portions of 70 shops in a drive against alleged encroachments in the area. The drive targeted a row of eateries next to the Uttam Nagar police station, a few hundred metres from Bhutolia’s house. Allegedly illegal portions of properties linked to persons accused in Bhutolia’s death were also demolished in subsequent days, before a Delhi High Court order temporarily halted further action.
On March 4, Tarun Bhutolia died after being severely injured in a clash during Holi celebrations. The incident had led to an argument between two neighbouring families from different religious communities. Ismail has been in Tihar Jail since March 5.
Justice Girish Kathpalia said the accused’s mother could not be left vulnerable to violence regardless of the legal proceedings against her son. ‘At least till the situation becomes normal, local police in Uttam Nagar shall ensure continuous round the clock deployment of sufficient police personnel in that area, especially in the lane where the house of the petitioner exists’, Live Law quoted the court as saying.
The Delhi Police assured the court that adequate police deployment would be made to prevent any untoward incidents in the area. The court also asked the police to file a status report within a week. The matter will be next heard on October 16.
Source:
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