Last Updated: February 11, 2024, 12:25 IST
Market wears a deserted look as shops have been closed amid curfew at Banbhoolpura area that witnessed arson and vandalism by a mob over the demolition of an allegedly illegally-built madrasa on Thursday (Image: PTI)
Nearly 1,100 security personnel are already deployed in the town. Shops are still shut in Banbhoolpura and the roads are deserted
The Uttarakhand government has sought more central forces for deployment in Haldwani where violence erupted on February 8 after the demolition of an “illegal” madrassa.
Officials said four companies — containing about 100 personnel each — of the Central Paramilitary Forces have been sought from the Home Ministry to maintain law and order in the Banbhoolpura area, the epicentre of the mob violence.
The requisition was sent to the Centre by Chief Secretary Radha Raturi.
Magisterial Probe Ordered
On Saturday, a magisterial probe was ordered into the riots. Chief Secretary Radha Raturi in an order said that a magisterial probe will be conducted by Kumaon Commissioner Deepak Rawat, who will submit his report to the government in 15 days.
Curfew Lifted from Outer Areas of Town
Furthermore, the curfew remains in force in the Banbhoopura area but has been lifted from the outer areas of the town.
Nearly 1,100 security personnel are already deployed in the town. Shops are still shut in Banbhoolpura and the roads are deserted.
Internet services also continue to be suspended in the area to prevent rumour-mongering through social media platforms. Six rioters were killed while 60 people were injured in Thursday’s violence, officials said.
So far, three FIRs have been registered and five persons arrested in connection with the violence.
CCTV footage and video clips of the incidents of Thursday collected from different sources are being analysed to identify the rioters, the police said.
The arson, vandalism and attack on the police personnel in Haldwani was part of a conspiracy, Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena said.
Six rioters were killed while 60 people were injured in Thursday’s violence, officials said.
About the people killed in the violence, the SSP said no one died in the police firing and a post-mortem will clarify the circumstances of their death.
He said the police had fired following magisterial orders to disperse the mob.
“No one died in the firing as we had searched the entire area after the firing and found no bodies. The bodies were found the next day in hospitals. Post-mortem and forensic examination reports will clarify the circumstances that led to their death,” he said.
