Five-decade neighbours with persistent disputes involved in Uttam Nagar clash: Delhi Police

Uttam Nagar clash leads to seven arrests after a 26-year-old's death sparks protests and heightened police presence in Delhi.

Seven persons, including a minor, have been apprehended so far in connection with the death of a 26-year-old man in a clash between two neighbouring families with long-standing disputes, during Holi celebrations in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, police said on Saturday (March 7, 2026).

The incident, which took place on March 4, sparked tensions in the area with several vehicles damaged and set ablaze amid protests over past two days, prompting heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel.

According to police, Uttam Nagar police station was informed about a quarrel between neighbours belonging to different communities in J.J. Colony area, around 11.09 p.m. on Wednesday (March 4).

The two neighbouring families apparently knew each other for the past five decades and had persistent issues over parking and garbage disposal, among other things, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said.

Police said during the initial inquiry, it emerged that the dispute began after a water balloon thrown by a girl from one family accidentally splashed coloured water on a woman from the other, following which members of both families gathered on the street and exchanged blows.

Police said eight people sustained injuries in the clash -- three from one side and five from the other -- and most were discharged from the hospital the same day, while Tarun (26) was admitted with serious injuries.