NEW DELHI: At first light on Eid morning, Uttam Nagar had an unusual stillness. Barricades cut across lanes, police and paramilitary personnel stood at every entry point, and access was tightly controlled.By 6.30am, the Eidgah filled with worshippers. Prayers were offered under tight security, reflecting both the caution and calm after recent tension following the lynching of 26-yearold Tarun Butolia on Holi. Drones circled overhead and in surrounding areas.As namaz concluded and the devout streamed out, a spontaneous gesture broke the tension briefly. They showered rose petals on Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces, thanking them profusely for ensuring safety in the neighbourhood. That included identity checks at barricades and a complete bar on entry of outsiders.Across several barricaded points, families passed boxes of sweets, packets of food, and greetings to relatives they could not meet.Inside homes, the familiar rhythm of Eid slowly returned — sevaiyan was cooked in kitchens, doors were left ajar for neighbours.
Essence of festival unchanged, say Uttam Nagar locals
For many, the heavy security presence had initially caused unease. Farhan (24), who runs a salon in B Block and had come to offer prayers at the Eidgah, said, “Initially, all of us had security concerns. But from that day until Eid, security has only been stepped up. We offered prayers peacefully. Our elders advised us to stay calm and not get influenced, especially by social media. There was so much hate circulating that we even thought of opting out. But on the ground, Delhi Police supported us.”Alongside police and paramilitary, members of the community played a visible role in ensuring order. Mohammad Suhail, in his 20s, said: “We were instructed to help the large number of people coming for prayers.”Between the Eidgah and the Badi Masjid, tight ropes and steel barricades channelled hundreds of devotees into a narrow corridor. The path led directly past the partially demolished house of the lynching accused, where a scarred structure still stood amid the debris. Many worshippers slowed their pace to stare at the site before CRPF officers signalled for the line to keep moving.Govind, who has lived in C Block for years and runs a shop in the area, said the essence of the festival remained unchanged. “Nothing is different this Eid except for the increased security. Like every year, we will visit our neighbours. The problem since the incident has been caused by outsiders. People here have always shared mutual respect,” he said.Police remained vigilant and quickly removed a small group of protesters who had gathered near the metro station and started sloganeering. Around 95 people were detained.At Reyaz Sweet Corner near Badi Masjid, 38-year-old Mohammad Reyaz scanned the crowd while his five-year-old son greeted customers. Business, he said, had taken a hit. With the restrictions, footfall was lower than usual. “There have been no issues among people. Some shops are closed and business is down as outsiders are not allowed in, but that is due to restrictions,” he said.Near Gate 2 of Uttam Nagar East metro station, Sikandar Khanum stood with a bag of food at a barricade. Unable to welcome her daughter and son-in-law due to the entry curbs, she met them at the barricade. “As police have not allowed outsiders, I told them to come here,” she said.
