Two days after a fatal Holi dispute in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, a car and bike, allegedly belonging to an accused’s relative, were torched, escalating tensions. Heavy security is now in place as police investigate the vehicle burning and have arrested eight individuals in connection with the killing.

NEW DELHI: Two days after 26-year-old Tarun was beaten to death in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar following a dispute that arose during a Holi celebration, a car and a bike, allegedly belonging to a relative of one of the accused, were torched. This has made the communally tense neighbourhood more worried.The area has heavy security now. Barricades have gone up at both ends of the street where the attack happened, and CRPF personnel stand guard. Police are keeping an eye to prevent any flare-up.

Some unidentified people set the car and bike ablaze on Friday afternoon. Delhi Fire Service (DFS) sent its fire tenders to douse the flames. Police said they are verifying the ownership of the vehicles and the identity of those who allegedly set the vehicles on fire.After the March 4 violence, four people were arrested. On Friday, four more people were arrested, taking the total arrests to eight.Tarun’s family, along with neighbours and friends, gathered outside Uttam Nagar police station to protest on Friday. They demanded the arrest of all those involved in the killing. They raised slogans and urged the police to take stricter action against the suspects.In the lane where Tarun was killed, faint stains of blood are visible on a pillar near the end of the street. Residents said Tarun had tried to steady himself here during the assault.Some residents demanded that the families of the accused and their relatives should not be allowed to live in the area. They said their presence in nearby lanes had heightened fears among others.Ronit (19), who lives in the same lane where Tarun was assaulted, said he had known the attackers’ families for years. “We grew up together. Their house is right next to ours and we have known them from childhood,” he said. “Even when the women in our family were pleading with them to stop, they didn’t listen. They just kept attacking.”Elderly residents recounted how quickly the situation spiralled out of control. Saroj (60), said: “At first there were only five or six people arguing in the lane, but soon around 30 to 40 people gathered. Instead of calming things down, more people arrived with sticks and rods.”She said the residents feared for their safety. “Some people have been arrested, but many are still outside. Their relatives live nearby. We are scared that once the police leave, we will face them again,” Saroj said.