Uttarakhand bleeds! 4 killed, 100 injured as radical mob turns violent after 'illegal' madrasa demolished in Haldwani

Dehradun, Feb 9: In a horrifying development, four people died and over 100 police personnel were injured after a radical mob turned violent in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area on Thursday during an anti-encroachment drive. This radical mob attacked authorities who went there to demolish a madrasa built on illegally encroached govt land near the Banbhulpura police station.

Anti-encroachment against illegal madrasa built on govt land

The incident occurred when the Municipal Corporation team, led by Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, City Magistrate Richa Singh, and SDM Paritosh Verma, utilized heavy machinery, including a JCB machine, to raze the illegal structure located in Malik’s garden under the Banbhulpura area of Haldwani.

It is pertinent to mention that officials had sent a notice to the management of the madrasa-mosque informing them that the structure had been illegally built near the Banbhulpura police station.

Mob set vehicles ablaze and attack police

The mob pelted stones and attacked the police personnel and Haldwani Municipal Corporation workers present there. Further, they also attacked the police station and went on to set fire to the vehicles stationed outside the Banbhulpura police station.

The mob also set a transformer on fire, resulting in a power outage in the area. Several journalists and administration officials were trapped inside the police station as a mob surrounded the Banbhulpura police station.


"Around 4 pm today, a joint team from the district administration and police was conducting an anti-encroachment drive in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, as per the court's order. Coming out against the drive, a few miscreants pelted stones at the officials and also indulged in arson. It was also alleged that they opened fire at the police using illegal firearms," DGP Kumar said.

4 killed and 100 injured & internet suspended

"Four people died in the violence-hit Banbhoolpura and more than 100 policemen were injured," said State ADG Law & Order AP Anshuman. Following the unrest, the district administration suspended internet services and ordered the closure of all schools and colleges.

"Internet services suspended after violence in Banbhoolpura of Haldwani in which so far 4 people have died and more than 100 policemen were injured. The administration has also ordered the closure of all schools and colleges," Nainital District Administration.

Shoot-at-sight order issued

A curfew has been enforced in Banbhoolpura on the orders of the District Magistrate. The state government has also issued orders authorising the security personnel to use lethal force against any unruly elements and ordered a shoot-on-sight order for rioters.