Approach Delhi Police: Supreme Court on plea seeking protection for Uttam Nagar Holi murder victim's family

The Supreme Court on Wednesday told a petitioner seeking directions to ensure the safety of the family of a man who was murdered on Holi in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar to first approach the Delhi Police Commissioner..A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi observed that the directions sought in the plea were largely administrative and could be handled by the local police authorities.During the hearing, Advocate Hari Shankar Jain described the incident as a case of mob violence.The Bench, however, underscored that the Delhi Police was a professional force capable of examining such concerns.“Every day CBI people come here and raise their hands and say their plate is full. Delhi Police is a professional force. Why to demoralise them?” said CJI Kant..The Court added that if the police requires sensitisation or further action on the issue, the petitioner could first approach the Commissioner of Police."Yes if police needs to be sensitised etc...you can approach the Commissioner of Police first," directed CJI Kant..In its order, the Bench recorded that the directions sought in the plea pertained largely to administrative measures concerning the safety and security of the victim’s family.The Bench further noted that if the police finds any threat perception, appropriate remedial measures would be taken."There is no gainsaid that if police finds threat perception remedial measures will be taken. If not addressed, then petitioner may move Delhi High Court," added the Bench..The plea relates to the death of Tarun Bhutolia, a 27-year-old man who was allegedly beaten to death in Uttam Nagar during Holi celebrations on March 4.According to reports placed before courts in related proceedings, the incident began after Bhutolia's 11-year-old cousin threw a water balloon from their house terrace towards a family member, which accidentally hit a woman who was passing by.The woman is reported to have initially scolded the girl and left the site. Later that same evening, the woman and her family members allegedly cornered Bhutolia while he was on his way home and beat him to death.Since the woman and her family are Muslims, the incident assumed communal colour, with tensions reported in the area..The fallout from the incident has also triggered multiple proceedings before the Delhi High Court. In one case, the Court restrained the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from carrying out further demolition of houses belonging to persons accused in the matter, after portions of one such property had already been demolished.In separate proceedings, the High Court directed the Delhi Police to take all necessary steps to maintain peace in Uttam Nagar and ensure that the upcoming festivals of Eid and Ram Navami pass without any untoward incidents..[Read Live Coverage]