1 arrested in UP after video shows Holi revelers harassing Muslim woman

Binor police appeals to people not to harass anyone during Holi celebrations

New Delhi:

Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor police have arrested a man and detained three minors after a viral video showed a group of Holi revelers harassing a Muslim man and two women.

The video shows a man and two women riding bicycles, surrounded by a group of young people. Holi revelers spray water on women from pipes. The women were seen protesting, but the harassment continued. Soon buckets were also used to fill the women with water. Young people apply color to the faces of a man and a woman.

As the women protested, a voice was heard saying “This is a 70-year-old tradition.” Eventually the trio’s ordeal came to an end when revelers let them go, chanting religious slogans as the bikes sped off.

Soon after the video went viral, Bijnor police chief Neeraj Kumar Jadaun asked the local police to take action.

Investigation revealed that the incident took place in the Temple police station area. Police scanned the viral video and identified those involved.

Cases have been registered with various departments, including those related to wrongful restraint, intentional hurting and assault on women. Police arrested a person named Aniruddh and detained three teenagers in connection with the incident.

In a video message posted by Bijnor police on X, senior police officer Neeraj Jadaun said people should not harass anyone during Holi. “Please do not forcefully paint people. Police will take action against any violators,” he said.