Nainital: The Uttarakhand High Court granted default bail to 50 accused in connection with the Haldwani violence. This decision was based on the police’s failure to file a charge sheet within the 90-day time limit. Recently, the local district administration had sent a letter to Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar to get the ED to investigate the cases of Abdul Malik running a fake institute, transaction of outside money in the institute, buying and selling of land on false stamps, illegal construction, occupation of government land etc.
High Court criticized the sluggish investigation
The court also dismissed the lower court’s order extending the charge sheet filing deadline. The accused faced charges of attempted murder, rioting, and dacoity following the demolition of a madrasa and mosque during an anti-encroachment drive. The High Court criticized the sluggish investigation and the carelessness of the investigating officer, emphasizing that the appellants should not suffer due to delays in the legal process.
ED will investigate the property of Abdul Malik
Abdul Malik, a key figure in the Banbhoolpura riots, now faces further scrutiny. The Uttarakhand Police has written to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), urging an investigation into Malik’s alleged involvement in running a fake institution, suspicious transactions, and illegal possession and construction on government land. The police suspect that Malik used forged stamps for land transactions and may have benami properties in other states. The ED’s involvement could lead to financial repercussions for him. The district administration had initially recommended this action, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue related to government land.
Riots broke out in Banbhoolpura during the removal of illegal madrasa
On February 8 this year, a violent riot erupted during the removal of an illegal madrasa and namaz place from government land in Banbhulpura of Haldwani. The situation escalated as hundreds of people pelted stones at police, administration, and media personnel. Government vehicles were set on fire, and an angry mob later threw petrol bombs at the Banbhulpura police station, causing significant damage. Tragically, five people lost their lives during the chaos.
In response, authorities established a police camp to restore order, and internet services were disrupted in the city. Abdul Malik gained prominence due to his claim over the disputed land where the encroachment occurred. When Malik was not arrested, the police had confiscated his house.
