SC refuses to intervene in probe into Tarun Butolia’s death in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to order a CBI investigation into the death of a 27-year-old in Delhi’s Uttam Nagar allegedly over a dispute for throwing a water balloon on Holi.

Hearing the plea filed by the family members of Tarun Butolia, who was beaten to death by a group of people over a minor dispute, a bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said that the directions sought by the petitioner fall within the “administrative” domain.

Advertisement

“We find that some directions sought are administrative issues related to the safety and security of victims’ families. These aspects can be well examined by the Delhi Police, for which we grant liberty to the petitioners to submit a representation,” the bench noted.

In the plea, the petitioner had sought several directions, including compensation and protection for Butolia’s family, and implementation of the court’s guidelines on preventing mob violence.

The court suggested that the petitioner should first approach the Commissioner of Police with a representation.

The court also refused to order a CBI investigation into the incident, saying that the Delhi Police is a professional force and should not be demoralised.

“Everyday CBI people come here and raise their hands and say their plate is full. The Delhi Police is a professional force. Why demoralise them? Yes, if police need to be sensitised etc, you can approach the commissioner of police first,” the Bench said.

The apex court also told the petitioner that if their “grievances are not considered they may approach the Delhi High Court.”

Tarun Butolia’s death

Butolia was beaten to death by members of a particular community over a minor dispute arising from an 11-year-old child’s playful act of throwing a water balloon.

While playing Holi on her terrace, the girl accidentally splashed a water balloon on a woman from another community. Though the family immediately apologised to the woman, she still called her relatives to the spot, who then thrashed the girl’s family members.

The accused also reportedly called Tarun and informed him that his family was under attack. Hearing this, Tarun rushed to the house where the accused were already waiting.

They brutally assaulted him and allegedly threw a large stone on his chest even after he had collapsed. He was immediately rushed to the hospital by his family members, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries during treatment on March 5.