Haldwani Violence: 25 Arrested, 19 Booked, Police Lift Internet Suspension

The Nainital district administration deployed a significant number of police personnel in Banbhoolpura, dividing the area into five super zones with seven magistrates overseeing operations.

Police personnel check documents of commuters during a curfew at Banbhoolpura area.

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Authorities in Haldwani lifted the suspension of internet services that had been enforced in the wake of clashes during a demolition drive in the area and warned of severe consequences for individuals attempting to disrupt communal harmony through social media platforms, news agency ANI reported.

The Nainital police on Sunday issued a warning against miscreants posting provocative content, including photos and comments, on social media. This action comes in the wake of violent incidents that erupted in the Banbhoolpura area on February 8 following an anti-encroachment drive.

To maintain order, the Nainital district administration deployed a significant number of police personnel in Banbhoolpura, dividing the area into five super zones with seven magistrates overseeing operations.

Authorities have arrested 25 individuals and named 19 in three FIRs filed in connection with the violence that resulted in five fatalities. Despite the imposition of a curfew, no fresh outbreaks of violence have been reported, and the situation remains under control, police said.

“We have registered three FIRs in the violence that erupted in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area during an anti-encroachment drive. Separate investigating teams were set up for the probe, and 25 arrests have been made in the last 24 hours,” news agency PTI quoted SSP Nainital PN Meena as saying. He further said that the key accused Abdul Malik will be arrested soon.

VIDEO | Here's what SSP Nainital PN Meena said on Haldwani violence that took place on Thursday.

"We have registered three FIRs in the violence that erupted in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area during an anti-encroachment drive. Separate investigating teams were set up for the probe,… pic.twitter.com/S6mryxseLM

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 11, 2024

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Haldwani on Friday, condemning the attack on police personnel, including female officers. He expressed concern for the injured, including members of the police force, administration officials, municipal corporation staff, and journalists.

Dhami asserted that all perpetrators involved in the unrest would be identified through available video footage and brought to justice. He instructed ADG Law and Order AP Anshuman to oversee operations in Banbhoolpura to restore peace and order.

The Chief Minister underscored the government's commitment to maintaining law and order, urging locals to uphold peace. He affirmed that stringent measures would be taken against those attempting to disrupt the state's tranquillity.