Several Muslim families are leaving their homes in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar area amid rising fear and tensions following the killing of a 26-year-old man, Tarun Kumar, with residents alleging that hate speeches and threats targeting Muslims have created a climate of insecurity ahead of Eid.
Residents told The Observer Post that inflammatory speeches circulating on social media and at local gatherings have warned Muslims that they will not be allowed to celebrate Eid and that “blood Holi” will be played on the day of the festival.
Jameel Ahmad, who says he has lived near Jama Masjid in Uttam Nagar for nearly 50 years, said the atmosphere of fear intensified after a condolence meeting for Tarun Kumar drew a large crowd in the locality.
“We were very worried because a large number of people had gathered there. We feared something might happen,” Ahmad said. “Thankfully, the administration remained alert, and the programme ended peacefully.”
Ahmad said local residents from both communities had generally maintained cordial relations and that outsiders are fueling tensions.
“If people from outside do not come here to spoil the atmosphere, there has never been any problem between local residents,” he said.
Tarun Kumar died following a clash between two families earlier this month. Rights groups say the incident, which initially appeared to be a personal dispute, is now being projected as a communal issue.
The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) said certain groups are deliberately giving the killing a communal colour to provoke tensions in the area ahead of Eid.
Police have arrested fourteen adults and two juveniles in connection with the case so far.
However, residents say that threatening speeches targeting Muslims have continued to circulate online.
Ahmad said that a speech by Lalit Sharma, who residents have identified as the president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, has caused particular alarm.
“Videos are circulating where he says Muslims will not be allowed to celebrate Eid and that Holi will be played with blood,” Ahmad said. “We have submitted complaints to the Uttam Nagar police station and shared the videos with authorities.”
He added that many other individuals on social media were openly calling for violence against Muslims.
“People are saying ‘we will kill them, cut them, throw them out of their houses’ and that Muslims will not be allowed to celebrate Eid here,” he said.
Residents say that despite complaints, they are not aware of any arrests in connection with the alleged hate speeches.
Advocate Bilal, another resident who said his family has lived in Uttam Nagar for generations, described the situation as tense and uncertain.
“Both Hindus and Muslims are feeling scared,” he said. “Even many Hindu neighbours say that anything could happen because these hate speeches are continuing.”
Bilal said several Muslim tenants and daily wage workers have already left the area.
“Those who were living here on rent or running small businesses are leaving and going back to their villages,” he said. “Only those who have permanent homes here are staying, and they are living under fear.”
Residents also raised concerns over a demolition drive carried out by municipal authorities in the area, in which several shops were removed under anti-encroachment rules.
According to locals, shopkeepers had requested additional time to remove their belongings, but the demolitions were carried out amid heightened tensions in the area.
Community members have appealed to authorities to ensure adequate security arrangements during Eid prayers so that residents can observe the festival peacefully.
“We only want peace,” Ahmad said. “We want proper security so that people can offer Eid prayers safely and the atmosphere in Uttam Nagar remains calm.”
