Violence Erupts in Haldwani Over Encroachment, Curfew Imposed and Shoot-at-Sight Orders Issued

Violence broke out in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, resulting in the entire city being transformed into a military zone following the incident of encroachment. The District Magistrate (DM) immediately issued shoot-at-sight orders against the miscreants. In response, the police resorted to firing, and several people were reported injured.

The Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, called for a high-level meeting with the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to assess the situation and requested the public to maintain peace.

Earlier, the incident began when a team from the Municipal Corporation initiated preparations to demolish a mosque and madrasa located in the Malik’s garden area of Banbhulpur, near Haldwani.

By Thursday afternoon, the police force from various nearby police stations and three reserve bus police units had gathered outside the Kotwali, surrounding Haldwani. Later in the evening, the police force, along with the demolition team, reached the encroached site.

However, as soon as the team arrived, local residents began protesting the demolition. Protesters even vandalized the JCB machine belonging to the Municipal Corporation. The team initiated the demolition, and in response, the protesters started pelting stones.

The police, in an attempt to control the situation, used tear gas shells and fired rubber bullets. As the situation escalated, the miscreants attacked and set fire to the Banbhulpur police station. Several vehicles were also set ablaze.