Under 100 Words: A Compact Summary
Violence erupted in Haldwani during an anti-encroachment drive targeting an unauthorized madrassa, leaving five dead. The district claims pre-planned attacks on the demolition team led to police using force in self-defense. Structures on government land were demolished following a court order. Authorities detained 15-20 individuals, arresting four, and plan to use the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against rioters. Additional paramilitary forces were deployed to restore normalcy (High Alert in Uttarakhand).
- The Banbhulpura area of Haldwani witnessed a tragic outbreak of violence, resulting in the loss of five lives during an anti-encroachment drive aimed at demolishing what district officials deemed an ‘unauthorized’ madrassa and prayer spot.
- The identities of the deceased remain undisclosed (High Alert in Uttarakhand). In response to the escalating situation, the city was promptly placed under curfew, accompanied by shoot-at-sight orders that were issued late on Thursday. This strict measure was reinforced on Friday, with ongoing disruptions to internet services further contributing to the tense atmosphere.
- District Magistrate Vandana, who uses only her first name, confirmed two deaths during a media briefing on Friday.
- She characterized the violence as pre-meditated, asserting that it unfolded when teams from the municipal corporation and police arrived at the Malik ka Bagicha area (High Alert in Uttarakhand). Vandana claimed that rioters initiated an unprovoked attack on the joint anti-encroachment team.
- SSP Nainital Prahlad Meena justified the use of force by stating that the police were compelled to defend themselves.
- According to Vandana, the targeted structures were situated on illegally occupied government land, prompting their demolition under a court order.
- She emphasized that the demolition drive was initiated after the municipal corporation lawfully gained control over the two structures (High Alert in Uttarakhand). Strikingly, rioting by residents erupted just 30 minutes after the structures were razed.
- To address the escalating crisis, DGP Abhinav Kumar, ADG Law and Order AP Anshuman, and Chief Secretary Radha Raturi reached the affected area on Friday (High Alert in Uttarakhand). Uttarakhand police spokesperson Nilesh Bharne reported that approximately 15-20 individuals were detained, with four arrests made due to their direct involvement in the riots.
- Bharne stated the intention to utilize CCTV footage to identify those involved in the violence, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) would be applied against the rioters.
- Additional paramilitary forces were deployed, and flag marches were conducted to restore normalcy in the affected area. The situation remains tense as authorities work towards quelling further unrest.
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