DEHRADUN, India — The Uttarakhand High Court has denied bail to Abdul Malik, implicated as a key figure in the violent riots that erupted in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, in February 2024. Malik, who has been in custody since the unrest, will remain behind bars while the court awaits a comprehensive report from the state detailing the allegations against him.
In a divided ruling, the court’s Division Bench, which included Justices Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Pankaj Purohit, granted bail to three other individuals involved in the 16 cases stemming from the riots. However, Malik and another accused, former municipal councillor Zeeshan Parvez, known as Sebu, were denied the opportunity for release.
Malik’s defense attorney contends that he is innocent, asserting that Malik was not present during the riots and lacks any substantial evidence against him. The lawyer emphasized that Malik, a senior citizen, has been detained for an extended period since the disturbances.
The prosecution, on the other hand, characterized Malik as the “central figure” behind the riots. A government attorney highlighted allegations that he orchestrated the unrest, which included illegal encroachments on public land and assaults on officials attempting to rectify the situation.
Following the hearing, the court instructed state officials to prepare a detailed affidavit outlining each charge against Malik. Meanwhile, the next court session for the other accused individuals is set for two weeks from now, as tensions remain high in the area.
The riots were triggered on February 8, 2024, when government officials initiated the demolition of an illegal madrasa and sought to remove unauthorized encroachments in Banbhoolpura. The planned action sparked violent resistance, leading to serious clashes marked by stone-pelting and arson, which targeted law enforcement, journalists, and municipal workers. A police station was also set ablaze during the chaos.
The violence claimed five lives and left nearly 100 individuals injured, prompting local authorities to impose a curfew to restore order in the troubled area. As investigations continue, the community remains fraught with concerns about safety and the aftermath of the unrest.