Tension engulfed the Haldwani region of Nainital district on Thursday evening following violent clashes in Banbhoolpura over the demolition of an allegedly illegal madrasa, according to officials familiar with the situation. The district magistrate has imposed a curfew in Banbhoolpura, with a ‘shoot-at-sight’ order issued against rioters.
Nainital district magistrate, Vandana stated that three to four fatalities and over 100 injuries, primarily among police personnel, have been reported in the violence in Banbhoolpura. Vandana mentioned that the curfew was imposed in Haldwani to ensure law and order, with internet services suspended and schools closed in the area.
Key updates on the communal violence in Haldwani
Curfew was enforced in Haldwani after reports of residents setting vehicles on fire and pelting stones, resulting in injuries to at least 100 people, over the demolition of the “illegally built” madrasa. Police reported that most of the injured, hospitalized after the violence in Banbhoolpura, were police personnel and municipal workers involved in the madrasa demolition.
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Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena stated that a prior notice had been served regarding the illegal construction of the madrasa on government land. Nainital district magistrate Vandana mentioned that during the violence near the Banbhoolpura police station, some individuals fired shots (whether the weapons were illegal or legal is being confirmed). She stated, “In response, the police fired into the air. Three to four individuals, with bullet injuries, were pronounced dead at hospitals. The identification of the deceased is underway.”
Vandana alleged that rioters attempted to set fire to the Banbhoolpura police station but were prevented by the police force present. She added that the violence extended to the Gandhi Nagar area near Banbhoolpura.
The DM suggested that the violence seemed premeditated and unprovoked, with stones and petrol bombs allegedly prepared in advance.
Vandana assured that the situation is now under control, with violence contained in Banbhoolpura and prevented from spreading to the main city. She mentioned the deployment of paramilitary forces and additional police from neighboring districts to maintain order.
CM convened a meeting
Meanwhile, in the capital Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting of senior officials to address the situation. SSP Meena noted that the demolition occurred in the presence of municipal commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, city magistrate Richa Singh, and SDM Paritosh Verma.
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