'An Effort To Challenge The State Machinery, Government': Nainital DM On Violence In Uttarakhand's Haldwani After Illegal Madrasa Demolition

The violence in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura after demolition of illegal madrasa and mosque on Thursday (8 February) was an effort to challenge the state machinery and government, officials have said.

At least four people were dead and over 250 people, including more than 100 policemen, injured after stones were pelted on a team of police, administration and civic body officials in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura by a violent mob following demolition of illegal Madrasa and mosque.

The incident, which unfolded on Thursday in the Muslim-dominated area of Haldwani, has left the city under curfew, with shoot-at-sight orders issued against rioters and internet services completely shut down.

Schools and colleges remained closed on Friday (9 February) in view of the situtation.

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Further, a statewide high alert has been issued following the violent incident.

In a press briefing on Friday, Nainital district magistrate Vandana Singh informed that the Banbhoolpura police station was damaged by the miscreants. Further, vehicles of administration, civic body and journalists were also damaged.

She added that all the accused will be identified and strict action will be taken against them.

Singh clarified that the incident was not communal in nature, and added that there shouldn't be any efforts to paint the incident "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....," she said, ANI reported.

The confrontation started after a team of government officials, accompanied by a significant police presence, tried to demolish the structures following a court order.

The authorities had deemed the madrasa and mosque illegal, leading to their demolition. 

However, a mob started to throw stones at the team, prompting the police to retaliate with tear gas.

Further, the violent mob damaged the local police station and set on fire several vehicles parked outside it.

Additional forces were called in by the administration to take control of the situation.

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