Tension prevailed inside Lalbagh Botanical Garden on Saturday evening when a group of youngsters, reportedly in an inebriated state, clashed with another group over a trivial row while playing Holi.
The video of the incident went viral on social media causing much uproar, especially as both Holi colours and liquor are banned inside Lalbagh, exposing chinks in the security at the garden.
A group of families, hailing from Nepal, who are working in the city, gained entry into Lalbagh with Holi colours. As they were playing Holi, a tiff broke out between them over a trivial row. From the video, it can be seen that people were hurling abuses at and beating each other with sticks. The incident occurred at 5.30 p.m. on Saturday, creating fear among other visitors.
Man beaten up
An umbrella-seller, identified as Amar, who intervened to pacify the groups, was also beaten up. Some visitors alerted the security at the garden, who rushed to the spot and after being unable to contain the fight, alerted the police control room.
The Siddapura police rushed to the spot, dispersed the agitated crowd and shifted Amar to a private hospital where he is recovering.
The police have also taken up a suo-motu case and arrested three people involved in the clash while efforts are on to track down the others who are on the run.
Lokesh Jagalasar, DCP (South Division), said that the situation had developed owing to two families clashing over a trivial row, which was brought under control. “The patrolling inside Lalbagh has also been revived and security has been upgraded to ensure no such incidents recur,” he said.
Published – March 16, 2025 10:14 pm IST
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