Uttarakhand Police Arrests Haldwani Violence Mastermind Abdul Malik

The main culprit involved in the violence that occurred in Banbhulpura, Haldwani on February 8 has been apprehended from Delhi by the Uttarakhand police on Saturday. State Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar has commended the police team with a cash reward of Rs 50,000 for successfully capturing Abdul Malik in Delhi, as announced by spokesperson IG Nilesh Bharne. Abdul Malik, the arrested individual, will soon be presented before the court, according to the police.

Nilesh Anand Bharne, spokesperson for the Uttarakhand Police Headquarters (PHQ), stated, “The Nainital police were in a constant search for the mastermind of the Haldwani violence. The mastermind, Abdul Malik, today has been arrested in Delhi.” He further added, “The arrested accused will soon be produced in court.”

Earlier reports had indicated that a total of 74 individuals had been detained in connection with the Haldwani case. Authorities clarified that the violence erupted during an anti-encroachment operation in Haldwani, resulting in incidents of stone-pelting, vehicle arson, and a mob besieging the local police station. To restore order, the administration was compelled to issue a shoot-at-sight order in the area.

Abdul Malik, a key figure in the Haldwani violence, has been issued a recovery notice of Rs 2.44 crore by the Municipal Corporation to compensate for damages to government property during the clash.

The violence on February 8 led to the loss of four lives and injuries to 250 policemen in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani district over the demolition of an illegal madrasa in Banbhulpura. The mob also set fire to the Banbhulpura police station. Consequently, a curfew was imposed throughout the town for a duration of two days.