Haldwani Communal Violence Update: 2 Dead, 100+ Injured; Schools Closed, Internet Suspended – Latest News

Haldwani Communal Violence Update: 2 Dead, 100+ Injured; Schools Closed, Internet Suspended – Latest News

After violence broke out in Banbhoolpura over the demolition of a “illegally built” madrasa, sources acquainted with the situation reported that communal tensions reached the Haldwani area of the Nainital district on Thursday evening. A curfew has been enforced in Banbhoolpura by the district magistrate himself. The rioters are also the target of a “shoot-at-sight” order.

The death toll was increased from three to four on Thursday evening by Nainital district magistrate Vandana Singh on Friday morning due to some “confusion.” The Banbhoolpura violence has so far resulted in the injuries of over 100 persons, most of them police officers. According to Vandana, a curfew has been implemented in Haldwani in order to maintain peace and order. The city has also banned internet access, and a directive has been issued to keep the local schools closed.

VIDEO | The authorities in Uttarakhand's Haldwani demolished a madrasa believed to have been illegally constructed near the Banbhulpura police station today. pic.twitter.com/6HYLDktGBf

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 8, 2024

Key updates on Haldwani communal violence:

• After inhabitants of Halwani allegedly set cars on fire and threw stones, injuring at least 100 persons, over the destruction of a “illegally built” madrasa, curfew was imposed.
• According to officials, the majority of those hospitalized following the incident in the Banbhoolpura region of the city were municipal employees and police officers involved in demolishing a nearby madrasa.
• Prahlad Meena, senior superintendent of police, claimed that the madrasa that was built unlawfully on public property had already received a notice.
• The incident outside the Banbhoolpura police station was reported by Nainital district magistrate Vandana. It is being verified if the weapons used were legitimate or illicit. The cops opened fire in the air in retaliation. The dead is 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. They were restrained by the police, nevertheless, and were not permitted to enter 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 on, “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.

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CM Dhami calls meeting

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.