The death toll in the violence related to the demolition drive of “illegal structures” in a town in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand has risen to five, despite strict restrictions for a third consecutive day, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Authorities had enforced a curfew and suspended internet services in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani in the Nainital district after a violent protest erupted during a demolition drive targeting a madrasa (Muslim school) and an adjoining Muslim prayer hall. Officials claimed that these structures were not registered in government records.
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A.P Anshuman, a senior police officer in the state, stated that the death toll from Thursday’s violence had risen to five, with three people seriously injured.
“The situation in Haldwani is normal, and the curfew has been lifted. However, curfew continues in Banbhoolpura,” he reported, adding that five individuals have been arrested, and further investigations are ongoing.
Police confirmed that no fresh incidents of violence have been reported.
During the violent clashes on Thursday, dozens of people, including police and protesters, sustained injuries as authorities attempted to carry out the demolition.
Vandana Singh, the top official in Nainital, informed reporters that the structures were not registered as religious structures, although residents asserted that the madrasa and prayer hall or mosque had existed for years.
Last month, authorities in the Indian capital demolished a mosque believed to have been built 600 years ago, with the mosque asserting that no prior notice was given before its destruction.
Amnesty International recently urged Indian authorities to immediately halt the “unlawful” demolitions of Muslim properties in the country.Top of Form
