An “illegally built” madrasa’s demolition sparked violence in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, which led to tensions in the community in the Haldwani area of the Nainital district on Thursday night, according to officials with knowledge of the situation. In Banbhoolpura, the district magistrate has enforced a curfew. The rioters have also been given a “shoot-at-sight” instruction.
The Banbhoolpura violence has resulted in three to four deaths and over 100 injuries, mostly to police officers, according to Nainital district magistrate Vandana (who goes by her first name). In order to preserve law and order, Vandana added that a curfew has been implemented in Haldwani and that internet access has been blocked throughout the city. She also mentioned that a directive has been made to keep the local schools closed.
Important developments on communal violence in Haldwani:
- In response to the demolition of an “illegally built” madrasa, inhabitants of Halwani allegedly set cars on fire and threw stones, wounding at least 100 people. This prompted the imposition of a curfew.
- The majority of those hospitalised following the incident in the Banbhoolpura region of the city, according to police, were police officers and municipal officials involved in demolishing a nearby madrasa.
- According to Prahlad Meena, senior police superintendent, a notice was previously sent to the madrasa that was built unlawfully on public property.
- Nainital District Magistrate Vandana reported the incident outside the Banbhoolpura police station.
- It is being verified if the weapons used were legitimate or illicit. The cops opened fire in the air in retaliation.
- Hospitals were bringing in three or four dead patients who had been shot. The dead are now being identified. We’ll have to wait to find out if they were shot by members of the group or by the police,” the DM stated.
- The rioters attempted to set fire to the Banbhoolpura police station, according to Vandana. “Our police officers were in the police station at that time. Nevertheless, the police restrained them and forbade them from entering the police station. She said that the violence later moved to Gandhi Nagar, which is close to Banbhoolpura.
- The DM asserted that “stones were stored beforehand at homes” and that the assault appeared to be “pre-planned and unprovoked.” She then said, “The rioters even used petrol bombs.”
- The DM claims that things are now under control. Banbhoolpura has managed to contain the violence, preventing it from escalating to the main city. Additional paramilitary soldiers are en route and have already been stationed in the region.
- To uphold peace and order, more police officers from nearby districts have also been brought into the city, the spokesperson stated.
Meeting called by CM Dhami
Senior authorities were called to a meeting in the capital city of Dehradun by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. According to SSP Meena, SDM Paritosh Verma, city magistrate Richa Singh, and municipal commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay were there when the destruction was done.