'Attack planned' says CM Dhami after violence erupts in Haldwani's madrasa demolition

The city of Haldwani witnessed a tragic day as violence erupted after the demolition of an illegal madrasa in the Banbhulpura area. The incident claimed six lives and left over 60 persons critically injured. Following the incident curfew was imposed in the city. The demolition, ordered by the court, sparked violence as locals clashed with authorities.

Authorities suspect pre-planning fueled the attack, which saw rioters pelt stones, hurl petrol bombs, and fire shots at police and administration personnel.

Strict measures against the anti-social elements

To quell the unrest, authorities imposed a curfew in the area and issued shoot-at-sight orders against rioters. Moreover, officials are considering invoking the National Security Act (NSA) against apprehended individuals.

#WATCH | Uttarakhand | Security officials deployed in parts of the violence-hit area of ​​Haldwani, following an anti-encroachment drive. pic.twitter.com/AafMcRQKrg

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024

An investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the violence. As per the reports, an FIR was registered against 5,000 people, including 18 named. Reports also claimed that the violence has destroyed the resources, costing an estimated loss of over Rs 6 crore.

Chief Minister's response

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condemned the attack on authorities and vowed strict action against perpetrators. He emphasized that the demolition was court-ordered and assured a thorough investigation. The state CM also met the injured, during his visit to Haldwani. He also termed the violence a 'planned attack' and asserted that the stockpiling of arms, stones, and petrol bombs suggested this.

हल्द्वानी पहुंचकर बनभूलपुरा में हुई घटना में घायल महिला पुलिस दल समेत अन्य पुलिसकर्मियों, प्रशासन, नगर निगमकर्मी और पत्रकार साथियों का हाल चाल जाना।

जिन लोगों ने क़ानून तोड़ा है एवं सरकारी संपत्ति को नुकसान पहुंचाया है उनके सारे वीडियो फुटेज और फुटप्रिंट उपलब्ध हैं।

सभी… pic.twitter.com/xQhv0txTnN

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 9, 2024

"All video footage and footprints of those who have broken the law and damaged government property are available. The process of identifying all the miscreants and taking legal action against them is underway, " said Dhami. 

LIVE: बनभूलपुरा, हल्द्वानी में हुई घटना में घायल हुए पुलिसकर्मियों, अधिकारियों व जनता से उनका कुशलक्षेम जानते हुए
https://t.co/dFGTAGII8e

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 9, 2024

Security tightened after violent clashes

To prevent further escalation, officials divided Haldwani into seven security zones and placed the entire state of Uttarakhand on high alert. Over 1200 police officials were deployed in the area. Police officials in neighboring districts have been instructed to remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any potential unrest.

#WATCH | Haldwani violence | DM Nainital, Vandana Singh says, "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… pic.twitter.com/RPPSeA6Mgx

— ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2024

Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh stated that the police station had been severely damaged by a mob and emphasized that it was an unfortunate event. She assured action would be taken after identifying the individuals responsible. Additionally, she stressed that the incident was not of a communal nature and urged everyone to refrain from framing it as such or escalating sensitivities. Singh clarified that there was no retaliation from any specific community and characterized the mob action as an attempt to undermine the state apparatus, government, and law and order.