Picture : ANI / X
Authorities arrested five people and three FIRs were registered against 19 identified persons and about 5,000 unidentified people, in the February 8 violence that broke out after an anti-encroachment drive in Haldwani’s Banbhoolpura area.
According to ANI, Five people died in the violence that erupted after the anti-encroachment drive following which a curfew was imposed in the area.
The three FIRs were registered on Friday, and police stressed that there was no fresh violence and that the situation was under control.
State additional director general of police (law & order) AP Anshuman said, “The situation in Haldwani is normal, curfew has been lifted. Curfew continues in Banbhoolpura. Three FIRs have been registered and five people have been arrested…CCTV footage is being checked…Five people died and three people were seriously injured. Several police officials have also been injured…”
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Haldwani and said the attack on police personnel, including women officers, was highly condemnable.
The Chief Minister also inquired about the condition of the women police team and other policemen, administration, municipal corporation personnel, and journalists who were injured in the violence.
Dhami said that all the video footage and footprints of those who have broken the law and damaged government property are available. The process of identifying all the miscreants involved in this incident and taking legal action against them is underway. To ensure peace and law and order in Banbhoolpura, the Chief Minister has instructed ADG Law and Order AP Anshuman to camp in the affected area.
The CM has also given instructions to take strict action against the unruly elements, taking a strict view of the incidents of attacks on police and administration officials and personnel during the removal of illegal construction and spreading unrest in the area.
The Chief Minister has appealed to the local people to maintain peace and has given instructions to take strict action against the unruly elements. He gave clear instructions that no one would be allowed to play with law and order in the state.
Later at rally in Almora, CM Dhami said as quoted by ANI , “…We won’t tolerate any type of violence in Devbhumi. Those who caused the destruction of the govt assets in Banbhoolpura will have to pay for it.”
