Violence In Haldwani's Banbhoolpura Over Illegal Madrasa Demolition: 5,000 Booked; NSA To Be Invoked On Those Who Attacked Police

A case has been registered against 5,000 unidentified persons in Uttarakhand in connection with the violence that broke out over the demolition of an illegally built madrasa in Halwani's Banbhoolpura on Thursday (10 February).

The Uttarakhand police has reportedly registered three separate FIRs on 19 named and 5,000 unknown accused involved in the violence.

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Out of the 19 named accused booked after violence, the police have so far arrested five.

On Thursday evening, a large team comprising 700 members from the police, administration, and municipal corporation went to demolish an illegal madrasa and prayer site constructed on government land.

This action provoked a violent response from a mob of 10,000 people from the Muslim-dominated area, who resorted to stone-pelting.

The police station in Banbhoolpura was set ablaze with petrol bombs.

Following this turmoil, the entire area was turned into a fortress overnight, and efforts to identify the rioters began immediately.

The police have filed charges under serious sections including rioting, arson, vandalism, attempted murder, damage to government property, and obstruction of government work.

The DGP along with ADG (law and order) AP Anshuman visited the violence-hit town in Nainital district to assess the situation in consultation with senior officials.

“Action under the NSA will be taken against unruly elements who attacked police personnel, and indulged in arson and vandalism at the police station in Banbhoolpura,” he said.

On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with Chief Secretary Radha Raturi and DGP Abhinav Kumar, visited Haldwani and took stock of the situation a day after the violence.

He also met with the police personnel and journalists that were injured in the stone pelting by the mob.

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