NEW DELHI: Police have arrested seven more people and apprehended another minor in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Tarun Khatik in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 14, while two minors have been detained so far.According to the Delhi Police, the latest arrests include Sayra alias Kali (40), Sarifan (50), Salma (36), Suhail alias Sahil (21), Sameer Chauhan (20), Firoj (22) and Ismail (50), all residents of Uttam Nagar. In addition, a 14-year-old minor was also apprehended in connection with the case.Police sources said Sayra was the woman on whom the coloured water balloon had fallen during the Holi celebrations on March 4. Investigators said she allegedly confronted members of Tarun’s family after the incident and later called others from her side, following which the argument escalated into a violent clash.The arrests are linked to the killing of Tarun during a clash between two neighbouring families in the JJ Colony area on the night of Holi on March 4.Earlier, police had arrested several accused, including Imran alias Bunty (38), Umardeen (49), Jummadeen (36), Kamruddin (36), Mustaque (46), Muzzafar (25) and Tahir (18), while another juvenile had also been apprehended.Officials said stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked after statements were recorded from the victim’s family.According to investigators, the dispute began after coloured water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun’s family accidentally splashed onto a woman from the neighbouring family during Holi celebrations, triggering an argument that escalated into a violent clash.Police said the two families had been neighbours for nearly five decades and had earlier disputes over issues such as parking and garbage disposal.Meanwhile, Tarun’s brother demanded strict action against those involved in the killing. “Such criminals must be encountered. They killed my brother and should face the same fate. We are not satisfied with the bulldozer action,” he said.On Sunday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi carried out a demolition drive in the locality and removed illegal portions of a house linked to one of the accused. Civic authorities said the action targeted unauthorised structures allegedly built over drains that obstruct water flow ahead of the monsoon.Heavy police and paramilitary deployment remained in place during the demolition drive to maintain law and order in the area.The incident had triggered tension in the locality earlier this week, with protesters damaging several vehicles and setting some on fire, prompting the deployment of additional police and central forces. Authorities said the situation is now under control and strict vigil is being maintained to prevent any breach of peace.
