Haldwani is currently in the throes of communal turmoil following the dismantling of an alleged unauthorized madrasa, resulting in two fatalities and over 100 injuries.
On Thursday evening, Banbhoolpura in the Nainital district witnessed heightened communal tensions as clashes erupted over the removal of a madrasa deemed “illegally constructed,” according to officials familiar with the situation. In response, the district magistrate swiftly imposed a curfew in Banbhoolpura and issued ‘shoot-on-sight’ orders against those participating in the violence.
In a Friday morning update, Nainital district magistrate Vandana Singh revised the death toll to two, correcting earlier reports of three to four casualties due to confusion. Over 100 individuals, predominantly comprising police personnel, sustained injuries in the Banbhoolpura violence. Vandana clarified that the curfew in Haldwani was instituted to restore law and order, accompanied by the suspension of internet services and the closure of schools in the area.
Key developments in the Haldwani communal unrest include:
The imposition of a curfew in Haldwani in response to residents reportedly setting vehicles ablaze and throwing stones, resulting in over 100 injuries during the demolition of the “illegally built” madrasa.
Reports from the police indicate that the majority of those injured were police officers and municipal workers involved in the madrasa demolition.
Senior superintendent of police Prahlad Meena disclosed that a prior notice had been served regarding the illegal construction on government land.
Vandana recounted the violence outside the Banbhoolpura police station, where individuals allegedly fired weapons, prompting the police to respond with gunfire. The identities of the deceased persons are yet to be confirmed.
Vandana stated that rioters attempted to set fire to the Banbhoolpura police station but were thwarted by the police force. The violence subsequently spread to the Gandhi Nagar area.
The DM suggested that the violence appeared “pre-planned and unprovoked,” with evidence of stored stones and the use of petrol bombs.
Vandana assured that the situation is now under control, with violence contained in Banbhoolpura and preventive measures taken to safeguard the main city. Paramilitary forces have been deployed, with additional police from neighboring districts reinforcing law and order efforts.
Responding to the situation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting in Dehradun, bringing together senior officials to address the unrest. The demolition was reportedly carried out in the presence of municipal commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, city magistrate Richa Singh, and SDM Paritosh Verma.
