On 8th February 2024, Harldwani local authorities arrived with a bulldozer to demolish the madrasa called “malik ke Bagiche”. While the locals claimed that there is no order shown by the authorities in order to demolish the madrasa.
Soon after the locals gathered to protest against the illegal demolition of madarsa. It was discovered that prior to demolishing the Madarsa, officials only permitted two individuals to immediately retrieve religious texts. The situation worsened because officials used force despite people’s attempts to ask them to display the demolition order.
This Madarsa was destroyed by the Uttarakhand government. It is situated in the area of the railway colony, where over 4,000 families live. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating over the Center’s request for the land in order to expand its railway system.
Sumit Hridayesh, Haldwani MLA blames the restlessness of local authorities
Sumit Hridayesh, the Congress MLA from Haldwani, said, “This is the result of officials’ impatience and negligence. The hearing was scheduled for the 14th in court. However, hastily and without taking the confidence of the Maulanas into account, this action was taken. There should be an investigation from the beginning of this case.” Watch the full video below
Five dead and Shoot at sight orders in Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Immediately after the demolition of madarsa, violence broke out in the area. Police were seen lathi charging women as per the videos on social media platforms
According to The Wire report: Locals said that there was police firing at night too. “When we were inside our homes, police even fired at our doors. We’re living in fear, this should stop,” an eyewitness said.