Tarun Kumar Muslim mob lynching: Victim’s uncle and eyewitness brutally attacked by persons connected to the accused, threatened to stay away from the matter

In the Tarun Kumar murder case, a key witness has been beaten and threatened.
Tek Chand (left) is Tarun Kumar's (right) uncle.

On 28th September (Monday), a shocking development unfolded in the brutal killing of 26-year-old Tarun Kumar, who was lynched by Islamists on Holi in Delhi. Tek Chand, his uncle, who is also a witness in the case, was subjected to a grave attack by persons linked to the accused, including a man named Golu and his servant. Golu’s brother Irfan alias Bunty was previously arrested in the case.

They first surrounded and then assaulted him near the deceased’s home until he lost consciousness. The fresh incident has led to tensions in the area, as a large police force has been deployed as a precautionary measure.

According to Tek Chand, the persons who attacked him told him to stay away from the case. He sustained injuries across his face and body, after which he was taken to a hospital by the police. He mentioned that he was outside his residence when the young men arrived and initiated a violent assault against him at approximately 10:30 pm. He added that they thrashed his entire body, including his chest and face.

Tek Chand asserted that they issued death threats against the entire family and directed him to withdraw his statements, making specific reference to an impending proceeding scheduled before the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Board.

The proceedings aim to establish the age of the primary accused in the murder case. Notably, the SDM has invalidated the 2011 birth certificate presented by him to claim he was a minor. The board is presently hearing the age-related dispute.

The victim’s family charged that no cops were stationed to protect the family during the incident, and the people affiliated with the perpetrators exploited the situation. They have demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits along with police protection for themselves. Furthermore, they also expressed concern that the attack on an eyewitness could compromise the inquiry and the testimony in the case.

Sumit Chauhan, the counsel for the prosecution, also pressed that security must be provided to the family in accordance with the court’s directives to prevent such incidents in the future.

The police have stationed additional forces in the area to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, footage from CCTV cameras installed near the scene is being examined to identify the attackers. The police assured that action is being taken based on the complaint and a probe is underway to determine the roles of those responsible.

Traun Kumar was murdered on 4th March, on the festival of Holi. According to police and family accounts, an 11-year-old girl from Tarun’s family was playing Holi on her terrace. She threw a water balloon, aiming at her father, who was standing below. However, the balloon fell on the road and splashed water on a Muslim woman from the neighbourhood, leading to an argument between the two households. The Hindu family and the girl apologised, and the matter appeared to be resolved. But the tensions escalated when Tarun returned on his bike in the evening after celebrating Holi with a friend.

Tarun was stopped by a group of 15 to 20 people belonging to the Muslim community and was brutally assaulted with iron rods, bricks, stones, and other objects. The attackers also beat his family members and others who rushed to the spot to protect him. Tarun was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the next day.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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