Uttam Nagar Holi murder: Municipal Corporation of Delhi demolishes accused’s under-construction house in ‘routine drive’

An under-construction multi-storey house linked to an accused in a Holi-day murder case in Uttam Nagar was partially demolished by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Monday amid heavy police deployment, though authorities said the कार्रवाई was unrelated to the crime.

Later in the day, the Delhi High Court stepped in, restraining the MCD from taking further coercive action for 10 days. Justice Amit Bansal granted the family a week to challenge the demolition before the appellate tribunal and ordered status quo on the property.

MCD officials maintained the action was part of a routine drive against unauthorised construction, stating that notices had been issued earlier and similar steps were being taken across the area. Police also described the demolition as a standard exercise, noting that the property had been sealed weeks ago.

The case stems from the killing of 26-year-old Tarun Bhutolia in Uttam Nagar during Holi celebrations, following a clash between neighbours. So far, Delhi Police have arrested 16 people, including two minors, in connection with the incident.

The accused’s family has argued in court that they were not given a fair hearing before the demolition was carried out.