NEW DELHI — A Muslim family in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar has alleged that their house was targeted with stone-pelting and that relatives of a deceased youth attempted to enter the premises, reigniting tensions between two neighbouring families already involved in an ongoing criminal case.
According to the family, the incident took place on the night of September 28, when a group of women allegedly gathered outside their residence and pelted stones at the house. The family further alleged that some relatives of Tarun, a local youth whose death is at the centre of the ongoing criminal proceedings, attempted to force their way inside.
Family members said the house was occupied mainly by women and an elderly person at the time.
Shaheen, a member of the family, said the incident followed an altercation earlier that evening between her 22-year-old brother-in-law, Ajharuddin, and Tarun’s uncle, Tek Chand.
According to Shaheen, Tek Chand allegedly slapped Ajharuddin, grabbed him by the collar and abused him during a confrontation on the street. She claimed that Ajharuddin pushed him away in self-defence.
A report by The Observer Post stated that CCTV footage reviewed by the publication appeared to show Tek Chand slapping Ajharuddin before the confrontation escalated into a scuffle involving members of both families. The two families reportedly live in neighbouring lanes in the area.
The family further alleged that later that night, a female relative returning to her home in Hastsal after work in Noida was allegedly surrounded by Tek Chand and several others. According to the family, she was subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault.
Family Alleges Unequal Police Action
Shaheen also alleged that police detained Ajharuddin following the confrontation and subsequently sent him to Tihar Jail, while Tek Chand was released. The family claimed that their complaint was not registered by the police.
The report did not include a response from the Delhi Police regarding these allegations.
Family members further claimed that nearly 20 male members of their extended family have either been arrested or are currently in custody in connection with the investigation into Tarun’s death. According to the family, those arrested include young men as well as two minors.
They said that, as a result, much of the responsibility for running their households now rests with women and elderly family members.
Allegations Against Local Councillor
Shaheen also levelled allegations against local BJP councillor Sahib Kumar Asiwal, claiming that he had helped shield Tarun’s family from police action.
The family further alleged that Tek Chand, whom they described as a key witness in the murder case, subsequently filed a false complaint against them.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
The dispute is linked to the death of 26-year-old Tarun, who was allegedly attacked in Uttam Nagar’s JJ Colony on March 4 and died in hospital the following day.
According to police, the dispute began after a water balloon was allegedly thrown at a woman during Holi celebrations. The case was subsequently registered under charges including murder and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Around 20 members of Shaheen’s family were named as accused in the case, according to the family.
Both families are reportedly originally from Rajasthan and have lived in Uttam Nagar for several years.
The Muslim family said it understood the grief surrounding Tarun’s death but claimed that it had increasingly felt insecure amid the ongoing legal proceedings and recent tensions.
Family members said they hoped the matter would be resolved through the legal process and that the courts would deliver justice.
