Abdul Malik, the alleged mastermind behind the recent spate of violence in Uttarakhand, has been apprehended by law enforcement authorities in Delhi after being on the run for 16 days, announced police officials.
The unrest erupted on February 8 in the Banbhoolpura area of Haldwani following the demolition of an illegally constructed madrassa. Locals engaged in a violent confrontation, hurling stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police personnel. The situation escalated to the extent that many police officers sought refuge in a police station, which was subsequently set ablaze by the mob.
According to police reports, six rioters lost their lives, while over 100 individuals, including police officers and members of the media, sustained injuries during the chaotic episode.
Abdul Malik, believed to be the instigator of the violence, had vehemently opposed the demolition of the madrassa, which he was purportedly involved in constructing. Despite his wife Safia Malik’s legal efforts to halt the demolition through a plea in the High Court, immediate relief was not granted. It is alleged that Malik played a central role in inciting the violence in Banbhoolpura and had been evading authorities since the outbreak of unrest.
In an attempt to evade arrest, Malik’s legal representatives filed for anticipatory bail in the Haldwani Session Court, contending that their client was not present in the area during the violence. The application also disclosed Malik’s whereabouts in Delhi.
Upon reviewing the application, Uttarakhand Police swiftly moved to the specified address in Delhi and took Abdul Malik into custody. He is currently being escorted back to Uttarakhand to face charges.
In addition to Malik’s arrest, over 50 individuals have been detained in connection with the violence. Furthermore, the Municipal Corporation of Haldwani has issued a recovery notice of ₹2.44 crore against Abdul Malik to compensate for the damage inflicted on government property during the unrest.
Moreover, the Haldwani Civil Court has ordered the confiscation of property belonging to nine individuals, including Abdul Malik and his son, in response to their alleged involvement in the violence. Authorities have since seized and attached their residences.
Sources By Agencies
