Haldwani violence: 5 killed, over 100 cops injured; Uttarakhand on high alert

CM Puskhkar Dhami urged everyone to maintain calm and asked officials to deal sternly with ‘anarchic elements’-Twitter

Five people were killed and over 100 cops were injured in widespread violence after authorities conducted the demolition of an illegal madrasa and an adjoining mosque in Uttarakhand's Haldwani.

A shoot-at-sight order has been issued against the rioters. Internet was suspended, and schools and colleges were also directed to be shut on Februaury 9. The Uttarakhand government has issued high alert in the entire state after the violence in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level meeting with officials to review the current situation. He has ordered to take strict action against the rioters and miscreants involved in the violence that took place.

A a team of government officials, accompanied by local police, attempted to raze the structures following a court order. The authorities had deemed the madrasa and mosque illegal. However, angry residents, including women, in large numbers descended on the streets to protest the action. They were seen breaking barricades and arguing with the police personnel engaged in the demolition exercise. "As a bulldozer razed the madrasa and the mosque, mobs hurled stones at the police personnel, municipal corporation workers and journalists, leaving over 60 people injured," the officials told PTI.

VIDEO | Security heightened in the violence-hit area of Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The violence broke out yesterday over the demolition of an "illegally built" madrasa. Several vehicles were set on fire in the violence.
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/saQ2pSDS1j

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 9, 2024

The police tried to disperse the irate mob by resorting to a mild lathi charge and bursting of teargas shells. However, tension escalated with the mob setting fire to several vehicles, including a police patrol car. By late evening on February 8, tension mounted further and the Banbhoolpura Police Station was also set on fire.

"The police station has been completely damaged by the mob...This is an unfortunate incident. The accused will be identified and strict action will be taken. This (incident) was not communal. I request everybody to not make it communal or sensitive. Any particular community did not retaliate...This was an effort to challenge the state machinery, state govt and the law and order situation...A briefing will be done again in the evening..."Vandana Singh, DM Nainital,  said.

Four companies of paramilitary forces were rushed to Haldwani.

Meanwhile, a hearing was held by the Uttarakhand High Court on a PIL seeking to stop the demolition. Filed by Malik colony resident Safia Malik and others, the petition challenged the notice given by the Haldwani Municipal Corporation. However, no relief was granted in the matter by the vacation bench of Justice Pankaj Purohit.  The matter will now be heard on February 14.

(With agency inputs)