A Delhi court on Friday ordered the immediate release of a man who was “mistakenly arrested” in connection with the murder of a youth during a Holi-related clash between two families in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area, while sharply criticising the police for keeping him in custody despite a lack of evidence.
Court Refuses to Take Cognisance Against Imran Alias Bunty
Additional Sessions Judge Shivani Bansal of the Dwarka Courts refused to take cognisance of the charge sheet against Imran alias Bunty, observing that he had been wrongly implicated due to mistaken identity and that no incriminating evidence linked him to the crime.
Case Linked to Holi Clash in Uttam Nagar
The case relates to the death of 26-year-old Tarun Kumar, who succumbed to injuries following a violent clash between two neighbouring families in Uttam Nagar during Holi celebrations in March.
According to police, the altercation allegedly began after a coloured water balloon thrown by a minor girl accidentally hit a woman from another community, triggering a dispute between the families that escalated into violence.
Court Says CCTV and Witnesses Cleared Arrested Man
During the investigation, the victim’s mother named several persons in complaints submitted to police, including an “Imran.” Based on witness statements, police arrested Imran alias Bunty, son of Safi Mohammad, from Uttam Nagar on March 8.
However, the court noted that further investigation, witness statements and CCTV footage later established that the arrested man was not the individual involved in the incident. Police reportedly found that the actual accused was another person identified as Imran, son of Umardeen.
Court Criticises Police Over Continued Custody
The court observed that even after the investigating officer became aware on May 3 that the accused had been wrongly arrested, no steps were taken for his release.
“To the utter dismay of this court, the IO had not taken steps for release of accused Imran alias Bunty until filing of the charge sheet despite knowing about the illegal custody of accused,” the court said.
Calling the situation serious, the court directed that a copy of its order be sent to the Joint Commissioner of Police for appropriate action and review of the role of concerned officers.
The court also took cognisance of charges against 17 other accused under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to murder, attempted murder, unlawful assembly, mob lynching and trespass, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Provided Legal Assistance
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said it had extended legal assistance to Imran following an appeal by his family. Advocate Abdul Ghaffar represented him in court, reportedly under the guidance of JUH president Mahmood Asad Madani.
The matter has been listed for further proceedings on June 6.
