Communal violence erupted in Haldwani after authorities demolished a madrasa and an underground mosque built illegally on government land in the Banbhulpura area. To control the situation, the District Magistrate of Nainital imposed a curfew and ordered the police to shoot rioters on sight.
Officials from the Nainital district administration and local civic authorities carried out the demolition on Nazool land, which angered locals. Reports indicate that residents reacted violently by pelting stones at police, setting up barricades, and burning vehicles. Some police officers and officials were injured in the clashes.
In response, the district government closed all access roads to Banbhulpura and imposed a curfew. Additionally, the state administration gave law enforcement permission to kill rioters on sight and use deadly force against criminals. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held an emergency meeting with top officials to address the escalating situation. He explained that the administration’s actions were in compliance with a court order for an anti-encroachment drive.
The Senior Superintendent of Police stated that the madrasa demolition occurred after prior notice to residents and was supervised by municipal and administrative officials. The Director General of Police reassured that the situation was under control, although several police and administration personnel were injured and hospitalised. He pledged to identify and take action against those responsible for the violence.
