Haldwani's district magistrate Vandana Singh on Friday said that the demolition drive was not targeted towards a particular community and that the people were given notice and ample time for a hearing. Addressing a press conference a day after the violence, Singh that the attack on the municipal team and the police was planned.
"Despite carrying out the drive unprovoked, unharmed, a large mob gathered within half an hour and pelted stones at the municipal corporation team. Stones were raining from all sides. In the video that we showed, you can see that there were no stones. So, when the whole process was going on, stones were collected. This means that the whole attack was planned.
The violence erupted on Thursday evening after the municipal officials razed down a madrasa and a mosque that allegedly stood on Nazul land in Banbhoolpura area in Haldwani district. A Nazul land is a government-owned property that is taken up on a lease.
"It is an empty property that has two structures, which is not registered as a religious structure, or has been given any such recognition. Some call the structure a madrasa," Singh said.
Earlier reports claimed that four people died and at least 100 police officers were injured. However, DM Singh clarified that two people were killed in the violence.
Meanwhile, a shoot-at-sight order has been issued and a curfew has also been imposed in the violence-hit area. Schools and colleges for all classes have been shut down.
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