At least two people were killed and more than 100 people were injured as communal tensions escalated over the demolition of a madrasa and adjoining mosque in Uttarakhand’s Banbhoolpura area in the Haldwani district.

Nainital District Magistrate (DM) Vandana Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena, who held a joint press conference here on Friday, confirmed the two deaths in the violence that broke out on Thursday.

However, earlier on Thursday, state ADG Law & Order AP Anshuman confirmed that, “Four people died in the violence-hit Banbhoolpura, and more than 100 policemen were injured.”

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A curfew was imposed on Thursday and internet services were suspended in the area on Thursday after residents clashed with security personnel, pelted stones, and torched vehicles as well as a police station.

Meanwhile, a shoot-at-sight order was issued against the rioters with the curfew in effect. Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar reported that the state government has requested additional police forces from the Ministry of Home Affairs and has deployed four additional central forces.

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Describing the events, Kumar stated, “Around 4 pm on Thursday, 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 Uttarakhand government has declared a high alert in the state as a precautionary measure following the violence. Earlier, four paramilitary forces companies were dispatched to Haldwani, and two companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) from Udham Singh Nagar also reached the location to control the situation.

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Inspector General Nilesh Anand Bharne, spokesperson for Police Headquarters, stated, “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.”

Several police personnel and administration officials sustained injuries during the violence and are undergoing treatment at hospitals. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to the public to maintain peace, emphasising that strict action would be taken against those involved in rioting and encroachment.

“In the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani, a team from the administration had gone for an anti-encroachment drive, following the Court’s order. Anti-social elements there entered into a brawl with the Police. A few Police personnel and administrative officials sustained injuries. Additional companies of Police and Central Forces are being sent there. We have appealed to everyone to maintain peace. Curfew is in place,” Chief Minister Dhami said.

(With inputs from agencies)