Haldwani Erupts in Violence Over Animal Remains Rumors
Tensions flared in the Banbhulpura area of Haldwani, Nainital, on Sunday night, leading to significant mob violence and property damage. The unrest was triggered by rumors that the head of a calf had been discovered near the gate of a school located close to a temple.
Despite police investigations suggesting the animal remains were likely dragged from a nearby forest by a dog, a large crowd gathered after the news spread rapidly on social media platforms. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in the vandalism of multiple shops and other properties.
Massive Police Deployment and Preventive Detentions
In response to the violence, the town witnessed a massive police presence on Monday. Law enforcement officials confirmed that seven individuals were placed under preventive detention on Sunday night under section 172 of the BNSS to curb further unrest.
Jagdish Chandra, Superintendent of Police, Crime, stated that the police are actively identifying members of the mob and arrests are expected soon. To maintain order, the city currently has three deputy superintendents of police, officers from eight police stations, and two companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary deployed.
FIR Details Widespread Vandalism and Assault
An FIR has been registered concerning the incidents of vandalism. It describes how some anti-social elements gathered a crowd and created unnecessary disturbance in various parts of Haldwani city.
The FIR names 40-50 unknown miscreants as accused for their involvement in stone-pelting, vandalism, and assault. Specific incidents mentioned include the vandalism of Shama Restaurant on Bareilly Road, damage to nearby shops and parked vehicles, and attacks on passersby, including a local tempo driver. The accused are charged with attempting to spoil the atmosphere of the city and affecting public peace and law and order.
Police clarified that their initial investigation, based on CCTV footage and local enquiries, points to a natural cause. They found that a dog was seen bringing the animal remains from the forest side, and it is believed the carcass parts were from an animal that had given birth in the forest area. The remains have been sent for forensic examination.
This incident brings the law-and-order situation in Nainital district back into focus, as the High Court has previously scrutinized it multiple times this year, including after incidents of abduction and another case of mob vandalism.
