Violence broke out on February 8 in the Banbhoolpura region due to the destruction of an illegally constructed madrasa. Locals attacked police and municipal employees with gasoline bombs and stones, forcing many police officers to take shelter in a police station that was later set on fire.
In this investigation, 78 people have been detained thus far, and on Thursday, six people—including the “mastermind” Abdul Malik and his spouse—were charged with fraud and criminal conspiracy in connection with the violence that occurred in Haldwani on February 8.
According to Nainital SSP Prahlad Narayan Meena, six people have been charged with unlawful plotting, building, and land transfer, including Malik and his wife Safia.
“An investigation is being conducted into the source of the funds and the amount they distributed. The police and other relevant agencies will take appropriate measures, according to Meena.
“According to police, the violence claimed the lives of six rioters and injured over a hundred people, including media representatives and law enforcement officers.
Property confiscated; recovery notice of ₹2.44 rupees (2.44 crore) issued
The Haldwani Civil Court issued orders to seize the homes of nine accused, Abdul Malik and Abdul Moeed, the father-son pair who went missing last week.
A recovery notice of ₹2.44 was issued to Malik by the Haldwani Municipal Corporation, requesting that he deposit the money to compensate for damage he caused to government property during the conflict.
The NGO is accused of funding the agitation
The state police have identified a Hyderabad-based NGO that allegedly collected funds to instigate the rioters in Banbhoolpura. In accordance, the Uttarakhand police released a statement on social media and warned the NGOs against its funding. The Nainital police have started an investigation into the matter along with requesting agencies to seize the bank accounts concerned.
According to police officials, the person is part of an NGO called Hyderabad Youth Courage. In his latest video, he is seen sitting in a car, filling a bag with bundles of cash. He is later seen distributing it to several women. “Haldwani ke mazloom musalmano ki Allah ke taraf se madad ki gayi (the oppressed Muslims of Haldwani were helped on behalf of Allah),” reads the video caption.
The man has posted several other videos, claiming to help families “destroyed” during the Halwani violence. In one video, also shared as an Instagram story, he provided a QR code for people to donate money, which would later be used to financially aid those who lost their family members or need medical assistance. The videos are also shared on social media pages of Hyderabad Youth Courage.
The Income Tax Department and other institutions have also received information about the NGO’s account number, registration number, and PAN number; as a result, the appropriate measures are being taken, according to the police.
Stop Donations to the NGO: Police
“A video is being circulated on social media in which a young man is distributing money among the people in Banbhoolpura area. Police are investigating in this regard. Information related to the NGO’s account number, registration number, PAN number has also been given to the Income Tax Department and other agencies, by which necessary action is being taken. Those donating to Hyderabad Youth Courage NGO are also being identified,” said Nainital police in a statement.
“Action will be taken against those taking money illegally, supporting rioters, distorting facts, and posting misleading facts on social media. Therefore, everyone is requested not to donate in any way to such NGOs,” it addded
“Those donating to the Hyderabad Youth Courage NGO” are being identified, according to the authorities.
