In Haldwani, Uttarakhand, the curfew imposed in the violence-affected Banbhoolpura area was completely lifted on Tuesday. District Magistrate Vandana Singh issued this order.
While releasing the order, the District Magistrate mentioned that the curfew, previously announced under Section 144 to maintain law and order and peace following the incident on February 8, 2024, in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani, is now lifted.
The order stated that, considering the present circumstances, there is no need for a curfew in Banbhoolpura, and thus, the curfew order under Section 144 is terminated from February 20, 2024, starting at 5:00 AM.
It should be noted that a curfew had been imposed for the past 12 days due to violence that erupted after the demolition of an illegal madrasa in Banbhoolpura.
According to official orders, the curfew was lifted at 5:00 AM sharp. During the curfew period, exemptions were granted for various durations by the administration in the area.
Violence erupted in Banbhoolpura on February 8 after action was taken against the madrasa. Local residents threw stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police on that day, forcing many workers to take shelter in police station.
The crowd later set fire to the police station. According to the police, six rioters were killed in the violence and over 100 people, including police officers and media personnel, were injured.
Meanwhile, on Monday, 10 people were arrested in connection with the Haldwani violence case. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prahlad Narayan Meena of Nainital stated that the number of arrests in relation to the incident on February 8 has now increased to 68.
Their properties have also been seized. Among those arrested on Monday is a person named Arbaaz, who allegedly supplied materials for making petrol bombs.
These petrol bombs were reportedly thrown at police officers and municipal workers by the rioters.
SSP mentioned that nine litres of petrol were seized from him. Abdul Malik, considered the primary instigator, along with his son Abdul Moid, is still evading authorities.