New Delhi, March 11 The Delhi Police issued a clarification on Wednesday, refuting claims and rumors that a minor involved in the Uttam Nagar murder case was missing.
The police stated that two minors have already been apprehended in connection with the incident. This is in addition to the 14 others who have been arrested for the death of a 26-year-old man in a clash that broke out between two groups of neighbors in JJ Colony during Holi celebrations.
In a statement, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Kushal Pal Singh said that "misinformation" about a "missing report" of one of the minors who had been apprehended on March 5 has been circulating.
The police stated that the minor was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board following due legal procedure and was subsequently sent to an observation home.
"Spreading false rumors is a criminal act and renders one liable to be prosecuted," the DCP said, adding that social media platforms were being monitored through regular patrolling to identify those attempting to circulate misleading content.
According to the police, stringent provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been invoked in the case, along with relevant sections related to murder.
"So far, 16 people have been apprehended in connection with the incident, including 14 adults – among them three women – while two minors have been apprehended," the statement read.
The police stated that the situation in the area remains under control with adequate police deployment on the ground.
The case relates to the killing of 26-year-old Tarun during Holi celebrations in southwest Delhi's Uttam Nagar on March 4.
According to the police, the violence started after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from Tarun's family splashed on a woman from the neighbor's family.
The incident triggered tension in the locality, where an angry mob damaged vehicles and set some on fire, prompting authorities to increase security in the area.
On Sunday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) carried out a demolition drive and razed "illegal portions" of a house linked to one of the accused.
The civic body officials said the action was part of a drive to "remove encroachments" built on drains.