Union Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, has condemned the violence that erupted during a demolition drive in Haldwani on February 8th, stating that strict action will be taken against those responsible. He emphasized that criminal actions have no place in society and cautioned against politicizing the issue.
Bhatt reiterated that the guilty individuals will face exemplary punishment to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The authorities have already made 30 arrests, including 25 in the last 24 hours, in connection with the violence. Five people lost their lives, and numerous others were injured during the clashes.
The police recovered several country-made weapons and live rounds from the arrested individuals. In response to the situation, the state government has requested four additional companies of paramilitary forces from the Centre to be deployed in the district.
Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police, Prahlad Narayan Meena, reported that arrests were made within the Nainital district borders in connection with three FIRs registered regarding the violence. Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police, Prahlad Narayan Meena, said, “In connection with the three FIRs registered, we have arrested 25 people in the last 24 hours. They include 12 people for the attack on the police station, six for setting vehicles ablaze outside the police station, and seven in connection to the FIR registered on the complaint of Nagar Nigam for violence during the anti-encroachment drive.”
He said all the arrests in connection with the Haldwani violence were made within the borders of Nainital district.
Curfew remains in effect in the Banbhoolpura area where the incident occurred, prompting some locals to leave the area.
The violence erupted during an anti-encroachment drive, leading to stone-pelting, vehicle torching, and a mob surrounding the local police station. In response, the administration issued a shoot-at-sight order.
DGP Uttarakhand Abhinav Kumar stated that the police acted in self-defence during the incident and provided audio-visual evidence to support their actions. This evidence will be presented during ongoing inquiries and investigations into the matter.
