U'khand govt orders magisterial probe into demolition of madrasa

NT Bureau, Agencies

Haldwani (U'khand): A magisterial probe was ordered on Saturday into the February 8 riots after the demolition of an "illegal" madrassa in Haldwani, while curfew was lifted from the outer areas of town but remained in force in Banbhoolpura, the epicentre of the mob violence.

Police said they have begun a search for Abdul Malik who had built the structure. Internet services remained suspended in the town to prevent rumours from spreading through social media platforms.

Police patrolled the affected areas as streets wore a deserted look and shops and schools remained shut.

Three FIRs have been registered and five persons arrested so far in connection with the violence, Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena said at a press conference here.

"The police have begun a search for an accused named Abdul Malik who had built the now razed illegal structure and opposed its demolition most strongly," the SSP said.

CCTV footage and video clips of the incidents of Thursday collected from different sources are being analysed to identify the rioters, the police said.

The arson, vandalism and attack on the police personnel in Haldwani was part of a conspiracy, the SSP said.