An outbreak of violence shook Uttarakhand's Haldwani area on Thursday, February 8, as reports emerged of stone pelting and arson during an anti-encroachment operation near the Banbhulpura police station.

According to authorities, the incident unfolded when a mob confronted officials tasked with demolishing a madarsa erected on government land unlawfully as part of an ongoing crackdown on encroachments.

The confrontation quickly escalated, resulting in the tragic loss of at least four lives and leaving over 100 police personnel injured. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the mob besieged the police station, setting ablaze vehicles parked outside and even targeting a nearby transformer, plunging the area into darkness.

Amidst the turmoil, journalists and administration officials found themselves trapped within the police station premises, highlighting the intensity of the situation. Law enforcement resorted to tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd and prevent further violence, while measures were taken by the district administration to contain the unrest.

In response to the unrest, internet services were suspended, and educational institutions were ordered to shut down temporarily, underscoring the severity of the situation. Heightening security measures, a curfew was imposed in Banbhoolpura, accompanied by a shoot-at-sight directive against those inciting violence, as authorities sought to restore order.

In the aftermath of the clashes, additional police reinforcements were deployed to the area, with senior officials of both the police and administration rushing to the scene to assess the situation.

The violence erupted as the Municipal Corporation team, accompanied by officials, attempted to dismantle the unauthorised structure erected in Malik's garden, a move that had been preceded by notifications to the madarsa management regarding the illegality of the construction.

Despite prior notifications, the madarsa management failed to provide documentation substantiating the legality of the structure, further complicating the situation. Additionally, previous seizures of adjacent land underscored the ongoing challenges surrounding unauthorised constructions in the area.

The legality

The removal, demolition, or relocation of religious structures situated in public spaces necessitates proper authorisation. In Uttarakhand, the district magistrate affirmed that the demolition had been executed in accordance with a High Court decree.

However, local councillor Shakeel Ahmad conveyed to the Indian Express that the High Court had yet to reach a final verdict, with the matter scheduled for a hearing on February 14.

It is imperative to acknowledge that a resident of Malik Colony named Safia Malik, along with others, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on February 6, 2024, seeking a halt to the demolition of the aforementioned madarsa and mosque. They contested the notice issued by the Haldwani Municipal Corporation to the petitioners.

On Thursday, February 8, the Uttarakhand High Court convened to deliberate on the PIL. The vacation bench presided by Justice Pankaj Purohit declined to provide relief to the petitioners. The subsequent hearing was slated for February 14.

Following the proceedings, the court refrained from making any explicit remarks on the matter. The order simply stipulated, "List this matter on 14.02.2024."

In the wake of the court's refusal to grant relief to the petitioners seeking a stay on the demolition, the Haldwani Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with the local police, proceeded to the madarsa-mosque to carry out the demolition as per the court's previous directive.

As previously stated, Municipal Corporation officials affirmed that they had dispatched a notice to the management of the madarsa-mosque, notifying them of the unauthorised construction near the Banbhulpura police station.

The management, however, failed to furnish any documentation to validate the legality of the structure. Moreover, the structure had already been sealed by the administration before its subsequent demolition. Additionally, the Corporation had previously seized three acres of land in close proximity to the illegal madrasa and prayer area.