A case has emerged from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, involving a Muslim youth's death under suspicious circumstances during the celebration of Holi. While passing through the Kotwali Sadar police station area, Sharif (55) died under mysterious conditions. Family members allege that he was forcibly colored and then beaten.
The deceased's family has accused some local youths of murder, although the police report cites heart attack as the cause, with no signs of injury.
'Why Was He Forcibly Colored?'
According to the deceased's eldest daughter, her father went out to buy supplies and was forcibly colored and beaten to death. She demands justice, stating everyone involved should be punished.
Expressing their grief, the elder sister of the deceased said, "Why was our brother forcibly colored? He was observing a fast, and his beating was deeply unjust. With three daughters at home, the uncertainty about our future looms large. They all collectively murdered him."
'While We Don't Disrupt Their Festivities...'
Neighbor Sameer states, "The government should take action. This is terribly wrong. While we don't disturb their festivals, how could they do this when there was no conflict? He went out fasting to buy supplies, and they murdered him."
According to eyewitness Shamim, he went to buy meat when unexpectedly, people started coloring the youth. Despite objections, the altercation was briefly resolved. Soon after, the youth took a rickshaw, where the altercation turned to violence. The perpetrators fled afterward.
Further, the eyewitness recounted, upon arrival, he saw the young man badly beaten. He succumbed soon after, possibly due to an attack. His face was colored, and his jaw protruded from the assault. He endured severe beatings and distress chased by others.
Ramesh Pradhan, who gave water to the deceased at the scene, added, "We provided him water before his relatives took him away. He died shortly after. Assistance was clearly needed in this situation."
Unnao Violence: Chaos During Holi Celebrations in Unnao
Rajkumari and Manju from the home of those who applied color argue the children merely colored him and deny involvement in murder. After being colored, he allegedly started hurling abuses and left on an e-rickshaw where he later died.
'Investigation Underway...'
Akhilesh Singh, Additional SP of Unnao, stated, "The death resulted from cardiac arrest, and the post-mortem revealed no signs of injury. Investigations are ongoing on all relevant points. No detentions have been made so far. The claim of Holi color leading to other activities is being investigated."
