Authorities have temporarily lifted the curfew in Banbhoolpura of Haldwani City. The curfew was enforced after violence erupted on February 8 following the demolition of an “illegal structure” as part of an anti-encroachment campaign.
“However, night curfew will continue from 8pm to 6am in Gaujajali, FSI, Godown area. The night curfew will continue in the rest of the areas under Banbhoolpura police station from 5pm to 6am,” Nanital Police posted on X. The curfew was enforced and the administration issued shoot-at-sight orders after stone throwing incidents, torching of vehicles and a mob surrounded the local police station following the anti-encroachment drive.
Yesterday, Additional Director General (ADG), Administration, Amit Sinha arrived at the location of the violence in Banbhoolpura and assessed newly established police post. The ADG evaluated the security preparations, discussed in detail the proposal regarding the prescribed standards required for the new police station and provided the relevant officers with essential instructions to enhance the security measures.
30 People have been arrested in the case of Haldwani turmoil. Details regarding the residences of wanted father-son duo, Abdul Malik and Abdul Moeed were attached by the authorities in Haldwani on Friday. During the action, police and administration teams including Uttarakhand Superintendent of Police Haldwani City, Sangeeta CO Lalkuan, Sachin Tehsildar Haldwani, DR Verma in-charge Inspector Lalkuan, Nandan Singh Rawat Police Station Head Kaladhungi were present at the spot.
Previously, the Haldwani Civil Court had issued directives to seize the assets of nine troublemakers, including Abdul Malik and his son, who are suspected to be the instigators of the unrest. The court has authorized the police to proceed against all the defendants under sections 82 and 83 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
On Tuesday, the civil court issued non-bailable rants against all nine accused. This progess came days after the Municipal Corporation in Haldwani issued a recovery notice of Rs 2.44 crore against the key accused Malik ordering him to deposit funds allocated to address the expenses incurred for repairing government property damaged during the unrest.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami had earlier said that there is no room for ‘miscreants’ in the state. Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar also stressed that recent “violent” clashes were not “communal.” The clashes and violence left five people dead and dozens injured. Several countrymade weapons and live rounds were recovered from those arrested, police said. The state government had asked the Centre for four additional companies of paramilitary forces to be deployed in the district.
