THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Nainital, Feb 9: An anti-encroachment campaign in Haldwani’s Banbhoolpura area on Thursday resulted in violence that left four persons dead and over 100 police personnel injured, a senior official stated.
State ADG Law & Order AP Anshuman stated, “Four people died in the violence-hit Banbhoolpura and more than 100 policemen were injured.”
Internet suspended; schools, colleges closed
The district administration shut off internet services and closed all schools and colleges in the wake of the disturbances.
After the violence, the Uttarakhand government issued a state-wide high alert.
On the District Magistrate’s directives, Banbhoolpura has been placed under curfew, and ‘rioters’ are subject to a shoot-at-sight order.
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Four companies of paramilitary forces sent
Four companies of paramilitary personnel were earlier dispatched to Haldwani in the Nainital district following an anti-encroachment drive-related violence that broke out in Banbhoolpura on Thursday.
Police Headquarters spokesperson Inspector General Nilesh Anand Bharne stated on Thursday that “Four companies of paramilitary personnel have been sent to the violence-hit area of Haldwani. Two companies of PAC from Udham Singh Nagar have already reached Haldwani.”
Violence during anti-encroachment drive
Speaking about the violence on Thursday, Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Abhinav Kumar said, “Around 4 pm today, a joint team from the district administration and police was conducting an anti-encroachment drive in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, as per the court’s order. Coming out against the drive, a few miscreants pelted stones at the officials and also indulged in arson. It was also alleged that they opened fire at the police using illegal firearms”.
“The state government has also demanded that the MHA provide additional police forces. The MHA has, so far, made four companies of additional central forces available to us,” DGP Kumar added.
