Chaos hit a peaceful Hindu Holi festival in Harrow last week when up to 20 youths stormed the event, hurling glass bottles and beer cans before fleeing police. Around 1,000 revellers were left stunned as violence erupted, but only one teenager was arrested.
Harrow Holi Festival Erupts into Violence
The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre’s annual Holi celebration at Harrow Civic Centre was calm until 8.30pm on 3 March. Suddenly, three teens switched off the sound system and smashed the speakers to the ground, sparking the mayhem.
Founder Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji said, “Five minutes later, they came back with 15 to 20 boys, some wearing balaclavas. They threw beer cans into the fire, hurled glass bottles, and knocked over barriers. Our Sikh security guard tried to intervene, but they tried to attack him. They came looking for a fight, and we were defending ourselves. It spiralled out of control, so we called the police.”
Police Arrive as Gang Flees, Only One Arrest Made
The troublemakers scattered when police sirens blared. Worshippers managed to catch a 14-year-old youth, who was arrested on suspicion of affray shortly after 9pm. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the rampage.
Harrow councillor Susan Hall blasted the attack, saying, “The Hindu community here are peace-loving, gentle folk. This attack on their festival is outrageous.”
Met Police Silent on Further Charges Amid Community Outcry
The Metropolitan Police confirmed just the single arrest and has yet to reveal if more suspects will face charges. The investigation is ongoing, as the local community demands justice and reassurance after the night that rocked a cherished cultural event.
