Haldwani Violence: Police Arrest Mastermind Abdul Malik From Delhi, Interrogation Underway

Abdul Malik, the alleged mastermind behind the disturbances in Uttarakhand's Haldwani, has been apprehended in Delhi and is currently undergoing interrogation after being brought to Haldwani. The arrest comes in the wake of a series of incidents involving ruckus, stone pelting, and arson during the removal of an illegal madrasa and prayer site in Malik's garden located in Banbhulpura.

Authorities have intensified efforts to detain individuals involved in the unrest, which saw incidents of stone pelting, arson, and disruption during the demolition of the unauthorised structures. Authorities have intensified the crackdown on troublemakers since Saturday, detaining over 75 individuals, including women allegedly involved in the disturbances.

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According to police sources, Malik had erected the unauthorised madrasa and prayer site on government land years ago. The demolition of these structures sparked unrest within the Muslim community in Banbhulpura last Thursday.

During the violence, women were coerced into advancing and chanting slogans, later engaging in stone pelting alongside other protesters. Law enforcement agencies are actively identifying and pursuing individuals involved in the unrest.

Among those arrested are five individuals, including the brother of a local SP leader. The affected area has been heavily fortified by paramilitary forces, police, and PAC units to prevent further escalation of violence.

In response to the volatile situation, the state government has requested four additional paramilitary companies from the Centre to reinforce security measures. The unrest resulted in the destruction of over 100 vehicles and the Banbhulpura police station, with reports of multiple gunfire incidents.

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While curfews have been lifted in other parts of the city, Banbhulpura remains under strict curfew. Internet services, which were suspended during the turmoil, have been restored, but administrative authorities continue to closely monitor the situation to prevent any resurgence of violence.