Family attacked on Holi threatens mass suicide

Gurgaon: A family, which was attacked by a mob in Gurgaon, threatened of mass suicide on Monday. The family alleged that it was being pressurised to withdraw the FIR and that the police was not taking any action under the “influence” of local politicians.

A mob of over 40 persons pelted stones at the house of Mohammad Akhtar in Bhup Singh Nagar area here and beat up members of his family in an attack triggered by a game of cricket on Holi.

The attack was captured on mobile phone by one of the victims and the video had gone viral on internet.

The clip showed women of the family pleading for mercy while a man thrashed them, police said.

“The matter is now in public domain as the video of the assault went viral on internet. Still, the police has failed to arrest over 35 goons. If the Gurgaon police and the district administration do not help us, we have no option but to commit mass suicide,” Mr Akhtar said.

The family also submitted a memorandum to the sub-divisional magistrate of Sohna, urging speedy investigation in the case failing which they would commit mass suicide.  

“We are the victims of the incident. However, the Gurgaon police has registered an FIR against two men of our family in a bid to put pressure on us,” Mr Akhtar said.

Police, however, said it was not favouring anyone. “We have so far arrested 13 persons and a hunt is on to arrest the others. There is no point of favouring anyone. Both groups were involved in the altercation,” DCP Himanshu Garg said.

The family had alleged it was a planned attack by a group of people "backed" by a Hindutva group. The police, however, did not confirm the allegation. A mob of about 40 people was allegedly involved in the attack. According to a victim, Shahid, six to seven drunk people asked his family members not to play cricket on the street. When they continued to play, they were attacked with batons, iron rods, hockey sticks, and water pipes.