Neighbours clash over 'goats' in north-east Delhi

Security was increased in north-east Delhi’s Khajuri Khas area on Wednesday night following a violent altercation between two neighbours from different communities over the removal of domesticated goats from a public place.

According to local police, a call reporting a quarrel on 30 Futa Road was received at 9.32 pm. Responding officers found that the dispute stemmed from an ongoing disagreement between Manoj Dhama and a local resident, Sarvar, over the latter’s practice of keeping goats on the road.

Police said that Dhama objected to the animals being kept in the public space, an issue that had reportedly caused friction between the two in the past.


On Wednesday night, when Dhama once again asked Sarvar to remove the goats, an infuriated Sarvar called a group of five to six people. The group then reportedly assaulted Dhama, members of his family, and others who attempted to intervene.

Based on Dhama’s complaint, a case was registered and Sarvar (27) was taken into custody. Several police teams have been deployed to trace and arrest the remaining individuals involved in the assault.

Authorities are also investigating whether a business rivalry may have contributed to the conflict, as both parties were engaged in the buying and selling of second-hand cars.

"Some residents claim that shots were fired during the assault, we are trying to verify it,” police said.

In an official statement, police urged residents to maintain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. “People are advised not to pay heed to any speculation and avoid spreading rumours,” the statement read. Officials also clarified that the incident was not communal in nature.

To prevent any escalation, law enforcement significantly increased security in the area. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed alongside local police officers. Joint teams conducted foot and vehicle patrols, and an anti-riot vehicle was stationed in the locality to maintain law and order.