Victim Shaista Begum lodges a complaint seeking strict action; authorities review CCTV footage and assure a fair probe amid local anger
PILIBHIT – A Muslim family in Dharamgadpur village under Madhotanda police station limits in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilibhit has alleged that a group of men attacked their home during Holi celebrations, broke the door and threatened to kill them. A CCTV video of the incident has surfaced and is being examined by the police.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (4 March) when Holi was being celebrated across the country. According to the complaint, some men who were playing with colours in the village reached the house of a Muslim family and created a ruckus. The family has alleged that the men forcibly damaged the door and issued threats.
Shaista Begum, the victim, has filed a complaint with the police and demanded strict action against those involved.
“They came to our house, broke the door and threatened us. We were inside and very scared. We want protection and justice,” Shaista Begum said.
A video clip, reportedly from a CCTV camera installed near the house, shows a group of men gathered outside the home. The footage reportedly captures the moment when the door was broken. Police officials said the authenticity of the video is being verified.
A police officer from Madhotanda station said, “We have received a complaint. The CCTV footage is being examined and efforts are underway to identify the accused. Action will be taken as per the law.’
Allegation of Old Dispute
According to local sources, there may have been an earlier dispute between the accused and the victim’s family. However, members of the Muslim community in the area have expressed anger, saying that no one has the right to target a family in their own home.
A local said, “Whatever the dispute may be, breaking into someone’s house and threatening them is wrong. The police must act firmly so that such incidents do not happen again.”
The incident has led to tension in the village, with residents calling for calm and strict enforcement of law and order. Questions have also been raised about security arrangements during festivals, especially in sensitive areas.
Family members said they are living in fear after the incident. “We do not feel safe. We want the police to arrest those responsible quickly,” a relative of the victim said.
Police officials have stated that they are reviewing the footage and collecting statements from witnesses. “No one will be allowed to disturb peace. If anyone is found guilty, strict action will follow,” an officer said.
Residents in Pilibhit have appealed to the administration to act swiftly and fairly so that confidence is restored and peace is maintained in the village. The investigation is ongoing.
While the incident in Pilibhit has raised concerns, a different scene was witnessed in the Barabanki district. At the Dewa Sharif dargah of Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah, people from Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian communities gathered and played Holi together.
A visitor at the shrine said, “This is the real spirit of our country. Festivals should bring people closer, not create fear.”
