Revellers forcibly pour water, smear Holi colours on 3 of Muslim family in Bijnor; one arrested

A person was arrested in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district after a video went viral showing a group of men shouting religious chants, forcibly smearing Holi colours, and pouring water on a Muslim man and two women who were passing by on a two-wheeler.

The clip further shows one of the women arguing with the men as their motorbike is stopped.

The incident took place on March 20 in the Dhampur area of the city. The man on the bike was going to visit a doctor along with his wife and mother to get medicine when the Holi revellers surrounded them, reports India Today outlet quoting police.

The police stated in a press note that a case was registered under Sections 147, 341, 323, 504, 509, and 354 of the Indian Penal Code.

Police on 24th March said that while one involved in the harassment has been arrested, three others have been detained. The arrested accused has been identified as Anirudh, a resident of Dhampur area.

"Holi is an auspicious festival. Do not harass anyone, do not put colours on people forcefully. Action will be taken against people found breaking the law," Bijnor Police Neeraj Jadaun said in a video message issued in the context of the viral video on social media X.

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