Mastermind of Haldwani Violence “Abdul Malik” was arrested by Uttrakhand Police from Delhi, as he was involved in instigating and leading the violent clashes that erupted in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani on February 8.
The riots started in Uttarakhand after the administration conducted a demolition drive where a mosque and a madrasa stood allegedly on Nazool land, in Banbhoolpura. 5 security personnel were killed in the Haldwani riots, more than 20 were injured, and 3 were critical at that time.
The mosque and a madrasa were built illegally on that place because of that administration decided to demolish it, but some local dwellers opposed this action and pelted stones at cops due to which 20 policemen were seriously injured. This incident further took horrific turn as riotous people did massive damage to the public property.
Malik’s lawyer Ajay Kumar Bahuguna told that they were moving a bail application, and claimed that even though police consider Malik the main instigator, he was not even in Haldwani when the incident happened.
“It is confirmed that Malik was in Dehradun on February 8 (the day of the violence) for some personal work, and in Faridabad the previous day,” Bahuguna said.
Three FIRs were registered in connection with the violence – one for the attack on the police station, another for the violence during the anti-encroachment drive, and the third for vandalising parked vehicles. They were registered under several Indian Penal Code sections, including 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon), 307 (attempt to murder), and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to public servant), as well as under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
#WATCH | Nainital Police has reached Haldwani after arresting Abdul Malik, the mastermind of the violence that took place on February 8 in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani, from Delhi. pic.twitter.com/QRlONTSVIj
— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2024
Mastermind of Haldwani Violence Abdul Malik’s early life
Abdul Malik’s grandfather came and settled in Banbhulpura of Haldwani before independence. Both grandfather and father started going from village to village to buy wheat and rice. Grains were purchased at low prices and sold at fair prices. Abdul Malik is the youngest among five brothers in a Banjara family. He was born in Banbhulpura. It inherited its identity.
The influence of Abdul Malik, who belongs to the Banjara family, is not hidden from anyone. He inherited his identity. On the basis of muscle power and money power, Malik entered politics and contested the Lok Sabha elections from Faridabad seat, but he had to face defeat. Now he is the conspirator of the Banbhulpura riot episode.
Abdul Malik tried his hand in politics in 2004
Malik’s uncle Abdullah had been the municipal president of Haldwani in 1960. Abdullah Building on Bareilly Road is in his name. Malik tried his hand at every task. Malik contested the 2004 Lok Sabha elections from Faridabad parliamentary seat in Haryana. He got 71,459 votes but lost the election. Malik again returned to Haldwani. Abdul Malik is a big name in the Muslim community of Banbhulpura.
A person who studied with Malik said that when liquor businessman Ponty Chadda did mining work in Gola, Abdul Malik also became his partner. He took over the work but the partnership did not last long.
Rs 2.44 crore will be recovered from Abdul Malik by Municipal Corporation
Firing with legal and illegal weapons in Banbhulpura has proved costly for the miscreants. In view of the possibility of misuse of licensed weapons, DM Vandana has canceled 127 arms licenses of 120 people till advance order. Also, instructions have been given to SSP to take possession of weapons and licenses within 24 hours.
Municipal Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay issued a recovery notice in the name of Abdul Malik and said that Rs 2.44 crore will have to be deposited in three days on February 15 in lieu of the loss of corporation property. The amount for the damage ranging from employee helmet to bulldozer will be recovered. Police have also registered an FIR against Malik, his wife Safia, and four others for allegedly carrying out illegal plotting, illegal construction, and illegal transfer of land by using the name of a deceased person.