Haldwani violence: “Not religious structure…” says Nainital DM Vandana Singh

Haldwani violence: A violence broke out in Banbhoolpura area of Uttarakhand’s Haldwani on February 08. As violence rocked Haldwani, DM Vandana Singh held detailed press conference on Feb 09. Nainital DM Vandana Singh clarified that demolished property is “not a religious structure”. She said, “This was not an isolated activity to target a particular property only. This drive has been going on for a long time in different areas of Haldwani. It is an empty property that has two structures. Which are not registered as religious structure or has been given any such recognition. Some people call it a Madrasa, but on papers, there is no such existence. We vacated it and notice was pasted. The area is called ‘Malik ka Bagicha’, but in papers, it is not registered like that. It has been registered as the property of the Municipal Council.” Notably, 4 persons were killed and over 100 police personnel sustained injuries in the violence. Internet services in the area have been suspended and Section 144 has been imposed in Haldwani. Several vehicles including cars, trucks, bikes were set ablaze and later, shoot-at-sight orders issued by DM