HALDWANI, India – The Nainital district magistrate, Vandana Singh, stated that the recent communal violence in Haldwani was a pre-planned and unprovoked attack. The trouble arose after the demolition of an illegally built madrasa in Banbhoolpura. Singh revealed that the attackers had collected stones on rooftops before launching their assault, using petrol bombs and setting vehicles on fire.
According to Singh, 15-20 people had provoked the crowd during the demolition drive by the municipal corporation team. Despite the police and administration carrying out the demolition drive peacefully and properly, a large mob attacked the municipal cooperation team within half an hour. The district magistrate emphasized that the police and administration did not take any steps that could have caused harm to life or property during the attack.
The death toll from the violence was revised to two, down from the initial report of three to four deaths. Additionally, four individuals have been arrested, and three FIRs over the violence have been registered. The police have identified over two dozen people who provoked the violence, according to Nainital senior superintendent of police Prahlad Narayan Meena.
Following the attack, the district administration imposed a curfew in Haldwani and issued a ‘shoot-at-sight’ order against the rioters. The violence, which resulted in at least 100 injuries, has deeply shaken the Haldwani area of Nainital district.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for communal tensions in the region, and the need for effective measures to prevent and address such outbreaks of violence. The district authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and take necessary actions to ensure the safety and security of the area.