The Delhi Police on Thursday told the Delhi High Court that it will ensure the “best possible protection” for the family of 26-year-old Tarun, who was killed in Uttam Nagar during recent Holi celebrations.
Justice Girish Kathpalia ordered the Delhi Police to ensure that the personal mobile number of the local Station House Officer (SHO) is provided to the victim’s family so that the police can be contacted in times of distress.
The Court passed the order after Tarun’s mother, Laxmi Devi, and other family members approached the High Court alleging that a group of women linked to the accused had threatened them on April 13.
It was stated that the women had covered their faces and told the victim’s mother that just as one of her sons had been killed, her other son would also be similarly murdered in public and that she should quietly withdraw from pursuing the case.
The family said that several inflammatory and communally sensitive videos are also circulating online, aggravating the situation in the area.
A Delhi Police officer told the Court that in the petitioners' residential lane, as well as in surrounding blocks, CCTV cameras have been installed and police pickets have been established to ensure communal harmony. It was also stated that a police picket has been installed in front of the victim’s house.
“The Additional DCP informs that they have already pulled down more than 250 inflammatory videos and contents from social media platforms. Petitioners are directed to furnish specific particulars of such videos or content, if any to the local SHO, who shall forthwith take appropriate action in accordance with law,” the Court also recorded in its order.
On the April 13 incident, when the victim’s family was allegedly threatened, the police stated that the video footage and other material are being examined and the inquiry is being conducted by an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
After recording the statements by the police, the Bench disposed of the plea.
Senior Advocate Pramod Kumar Dubey with Advocates Anirudh Gupta, Ashish Gupta, Satyam Sharma and Ram Chand appeared for Tarun's family.
Additional Standing Counsel (Criminal) Sanjeev Bhandari with Advocates Arjit Sharma and Sakshi Jha represented the Delhi Police.
[Read Order]