The Nainital Police on Friday issued a notice identifying the role of an NGO named "Hyderabad Youth Corage" in funding the Banbhoolpura violence in Haldwani, news agency ANI reported. On February 8, violence erupted following the destruction of an illegally constructed madrasa in the Banbhoolpura district, with people flinging stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police, causing several officers to take cover at a police station, which the crowd subsequently set on fire.
In the viral video showing that money is being circulated among people in the riot-hit area in Haldwani, the Nainital police stated that the young man who distributed money belonged to a Hyderabad-based NGO.
"The police are investigating the matter and have provided information regarding the NGO's account number, registration number, and PAN number to the Income Tax Department and other agencies for necessary action. Donors to the Hyderabad Youth Care NGO are also being identified. Action is being taken to freeze the NGO's account and registration number," reads the official notice.
The police further requested everyone not to donate money or support such NGOs in any way.
"Action will be taken against those who wrongly accept money and support troublemakers, as well as those who distort and post misleading facts on social media," the police added.
According to officials, six rioters were killed and over a hundred people, including police officers and journalists, were injured during the Haldwani incident.
ALSO READ | Haldwani Violence: Six, Including 'Mastermind' Abdul Malik, His Wife Booked
Earlier on Thursday night, six persons, including "mastermind" Abdul Malik and his wife, were charged with fraud and criminal conspiracy in connection with the Haldwani incident, according to police, PTI reported.