Two deaths were reported in separate incidents in Chandigarh during Holi celebrations on Wednesday, even as heavy police deployment was made to curb hooliganism and rash driving.

The first incident was reported from Makhan Majra, where a 21-year-old youth, Ankit, was allegedly stabbed to death following an argument. According to police sources, the incident occurred around 2.30 pm when a fight broke out during Holi celebrations. During the altercation, one of the accused allegedly took advantage of the crowd and attacked Ankit with a knife, fatally injuring him.

Ankit was accompanied by his father at the time of the incident, who also sustained injuries in the attack. The victim, originally from Gopalganj, worked as a labourer in the city. Family members said his sister’s wedding had recently been fixed and he had been preparing for the ceremony.

Police officials said the accused were allegedly under the influence of intoxicants when the crime was committed. An investigation has been initiated to identify and apprehend those involved.

In a separate incident in Ram Darbar, a youth identified as Suraj died in an accident during Holi celebrations.

Meanwhile, a few incidents of clashes and intimidation were also reported from Panchkula during the festival. In Sector 20, a group of drunk men allegedly tried to intimidate a family by hurling abuses and attacking their house with swords and other objects.

The group reportedly vandalised the property with stones and damaged a two-wheeler and the headlights of a tractor parked outside the house. A video of the incident is also circulating on social media.