New Delhi, March 13: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the murder of a young man in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, which occurred on Holi. The commission has issued notices to the District Magistrate of West Delhi and the Police Commissioner of Delhi, requesting a report on the actions taken within two weeks.
The notice was issued on March 12. According to a letter from the NHRC’s Assistant Registrar (Law), a complaint received on March 6, 2026, was presented to the commission on March 12. After a preliminary investigation, the NHRC deemed it a potential violation of human rights and decided to take action.
The complaint alleges that on March 4, 2026, a 26-year-old Hindu Dalit man was brutally beaten to death by a group of individuals in the Uttam Nagar area during Holi celebrations. The incident reportedly stemmed from a minor dispute over water splashes during the festivities.
According to the complaint, a verbal altercation occurred between two families after water was accidentally splashed during Holi. Although the victim’s family later apologized, the situation escalated. It is reported that later that day, while returning home on his two-wheeler, the young man was attacked by a group of 15 to 20 individuals.
The attackers allegedly assaulted him with bricks, stones, and iron rods, leaving him severely injured. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
The complainant has urged the NHRC to intervene, calling for a fair investigation into the incident, identification of all accused, legal action against them, and protection and compensation for the victim’s family.
The NHRC, led by member Priyank Lawango, has taken cognizance under Section 12 of the Human Rights Protection Act, 1993. The commission clarified in its notice that it is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights for all individuals in the country and possesses powers similar to those of a civil court in investigation matters.
The commission has directed the district administration and police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. It emphasized the need to identify all individuals involved in the alleged crime and take appropriate legal action against them.
Additionally, the NHRC noted that family members of the victim could be crucial witnesses, thus their safety should be assessed, and necessary protection provided if required.
Furthermore, the commission instructed that all potential evidence related to the incident be preserved. It stated that any photos or videos circulating on social media regarding the incident should also be secured by the investigating agency, as they may contain forensic or other significant evidence.
The NHRC has also directed the police to collect and preserve footage from all CCTV cameras in the vicinity of the crime scene to aid in the investigation. It is essential to ensure that the crime scene is properly secured and that all necessary forensic evidence is collected.
This includes fingerprints, footprints, stones, bricks, or other objects used in the attack, and other physical evidence. The NHRC stated that all these pieces of evidence must be preserved scientifically for investigation.
The commission has requested a detailed report on the actions taken in this case from the District Magistrate of West Delhi and the Police Commissioner of Delhi within two weeks.
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