Haldwani communal violence: 3-4 dead, 100+ injured. Schools shut, internet down, Stay updated

Nainital district magistrate Vandana has announced a curfew in Haldwani to ensure law and order, with internet services also suspended.

Communal tension escalated in Haldwani, Nainital district, on Thursday evening following violence in Banbhoolpura over the demolition of an "illegally built" madrasa, according to officials. The district magistrate has imposed a curfew in Banbhoolpura, with a 'shoot-at-sight' order issued against rioters.

Nainital district magistrate Vandana confirmed that three to four fatalities have occurred, with over 100 individuals injured, primarily police personnel, in the Banbhoolpura violence. Vandana, who is known by her first name, stated that a curfew has been enforced in Haldwani to uphold law and order, with internet services also suspended in the city. Additionally, an order has been issued to keep schools in the area closed.

Key updates on the Haldwani communal violence:

• A curfew was enforced in Haldwani after residents allegedly set vehicles on fire and threw stones, resulting in injuries to at least 100 people. This violence erupted following the demolition of an "illegally built" madrasa.
• Police reported that the majority of the injured, who were hospitalized, were police personnel and municipal workers involved in the madrasa demolition in the Banbhoolpura area.
• Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena stated that a notice had been served earlier regarding the illegal construction of the madrasa on government land.
• Nainital District Magistrate Vandana stated that during the violence outside the Banbhoolpura police station, individuals fired shots, the legality of which is under investigation. She mentioned that three to four people brought to hospitals had sustained bullet injuries, and their identification is ongoing to determine if they were killed in police firing or by other individuals.
• Vandana claimed that rioters attempted to set fire to the Banbhoolpura police station but were prevented by the police. She also mentioned that violence spread to the Gandhi Nagar area near Banbhoolpura.
• The District Magistrate suggested that the violence seemed pre-planned and unprovoked, with rioters allegedly storing stones and even using petrol bombs.
• Vandana assured that the situation is now under control, with violence contained in Banbhoolpura and prevented from spreading to the main city. Additional paramilitary forces and police from neighboring districts have been deployed to maintain law and order.
• In Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened a meeting of senior officials. The demolition was reportedly carried out in the presence of municipal commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay, city magistrate Richa Singh, and SDM Paritosh Verma.