NEW DELHI: Victim Tarun’s lawyer Sumit Chauhan on Tuesday said a peace appeal by members of the Muslim community in west Delhi’s Uttam Nagar was a “good initiative” aimed at ensuring justice and preventing communal tension. “I heard about the announcement made from the Uttam Nagar masjid, and it is a good initiative of the Muslim community. They said that no one would stand with the family responsible for the murder. They said that justice should be served to Tarun’s family. They even offered Namaz for Tarun’s soul and the well-being of his injured family members,” Chauhan said.He added that community members had also stressed that they did not want any Hindu-Muslim clash in the area. According to Chauhan, 16 people have so far been arrested in connection with the case, including two juveniles, and more arrests are expected. The incident took place on Holi, when the 26-year-old died after being injured in a clash between two neighbouring families in the JJ Colony area. Police said the altercation began after a water balloon thrown by a girl accidentally hit a woman from another community. Security remains heightened in the area, with police maintaining a high alert ahead of the Navratri festival. Officials said the situation is currently under control but precautionary deployment continues. Police said more than 100 people were detained as a preventive measure during Eid to avoid any escalation and later released after verification. Authorities are also monitoring social media platforms to curb rumours and provocative content. Sources said requests have been sent to block over 200 suspicious accounts, with several already restricted. Investigators are also examining online fundraising linked to the case, after around Rs 37 lakh was reportedly collected through emotional appeals. The amount has been frozen as part of the probe. On the ground, barricading and strict checks remain in place, while local markets have seen reduced footfall, with residents stepping out mainly for essential work. Police said regular meetings with local ‘aman’ committees are being held to maintain coordination and ensure peace in the area.
