The Haldwani Civil Court has directed the confiscation of the property belonging to nine individuals, including Abdul Malik and his son, who are accused of instigating violence in Banbhoolpura town of Haldwani. The violence erupted following the demolition of an alleged “illegal structure” as part of an anti-encroachment drive on February 8. The court has authorized the police to take action against the accused under sections 82 and 83 of the CrPC. Earlier, non-bailable warrants were issued against all nine accused by the civil court.
In a related development, the Municipal Corporation issued a recovery notice of Rs 2.44 crore against Abdul Malik, one of the key accused, to cover the damages caused to government property during the clash. Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat has initiated a magisterial inquiry into the violence, which resulted in five deaths and numerous injuries, according to police reports.
In response to the violence, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that there is no tolerance for ‘miscreants’ in the state. A new police chowki was inaugurated by women police officials, including those injured during the violence, on the land cleared during the anti-encroachment drive. The site, formerly known as “Malik Ka Bagicha,” has been renamed, and a police chowki has been established.
The Chief Minister announced the construction of a police station at the location where the illegal encroachment was removed. Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar emphasized that the recent clashes were not “communal” in nature. In connection with the violence, 30 people have been arrested, and several country-made weapons and live rounds were seized from them.
The state government has requested the deployment of four additional companies of paramilitary forces from the Centre to be stationed in the district. The violence erupted after the administration conducted an anti-encroachment drive in Banbhoolpura, leading to stone-pelting incidents, torching of vehicles, and a mob surrounding the local police station. In response, the administration issued a shoot-at-sight order.
