Police have stepped up security across parts of southwest Delhi ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, deploying additional personnel and surveillance measures in Dwarka district, including Uttam Nagar, where tensions have persisted since a killing earlier this month, Press Trust of India reported.
More than 100 picket points have been set up, with intensified barricading and rooftop monitoring forming part of the arrangements, PTI said.
A senior police officer said a detailed security plan had been put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations.
“Adequate arrangements have been made and sufficient deployment will be in place to maintain law and order. We are fully prepared to deal with any situation,” the officer said.
Security has been heightened in sensitive areas such as Hastsal village and adjoining localities, where the March 4 killing took place, with Delhi Police and central armed forces deployed at key locations to prevent any untoward incidents.
The violence stemmed from a clash between two neighbouring families in the JJ Colony area on Holi, in which a 26-year-old man was killed. Police said the altercation began after water from a balloon thrown by a girl from the victim’s family splashed on a woman from the neighbouring household.
Subsequently, some Hindu groups staged protests and set fire to two vehicles belonging to members of the accused family. Police have detained 14 people, including two minors, in connection with the case.
Authorities said special attention is being given to mosques, Eidgahs and other religious sites expected to draw large gatherings. Foot and vehicle patrols have been intensified as part of area domination exercises.
Police have also increased monitoring of social media platforms for provocative or inflammatory content, identifying and removing several such posts, PTI reported.
Mixed-population neighbourhoods have been marked as sensitive zones and placed under enhanced watch, with personnel deployed on rooftops in select areas to enable close surveillance and a quick response.
Flag marches have been conducted in sensitive localities as part of confidence-building measures and will continue during the festival period, police said.
Despite the heightened security, some residents expressed concern.
“Now it feels like the calm before the storm. We are afraid, but we are trying to ensure that everything remains normal,” said Pradeep Shukla, president of the Uttam Nagar Residents’ Welfare Association.