Uttarakhand orders magisterial probe into Haldwani violence

Uttarakhand government on Saturday ordered for a magisterial probe into the February 8 incident of violence in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area. The order was issued by the chief secretary Radha Raturi. The probe will be conducted by the Commissioner, Kumaon region, Deepak Rawat. Rawat has been asked to submit his report within 15 days.

Banbhoolpura area witnessed arson, besides attack on the police and government officials. At least five persons died while several others received injuries in this incident which erupted after the team of administration reached Banbhoolpura area to clear encroachment from government lands. During the anti-encroachment drive, a Madarasa, which was said to be illegally built on government land, was also demolished. A mob started pelting stones and lobbying petrol bombs on the administration's team.

The administration has termed the incident as "planned conspiracy" to attack the policemen as well as other government employees who were part of the team of the administration to remove encroachments from the government land in the area.


Meanwhile, curfew order continues to remain in place in Banbhoolapura area. However, curfew has been lifted from other parts of Haldwani town. The order limiting the area under curfew to Banbhoolpura was issued on Saturday by Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh.

The curfew has now been extended to the entire Banbhoolpura area, which also includes the Army Cantonment (including workshop line)-Tikonia-Teenpani and the area within the peripheries of the Gaulapar bypass, the order said. Movement of vehicles on the Nainital-Bareilly road and commercial establishments will be free from the restriction.