More than ten days after the violence that rocked Haldwani city in Uttarakhand earlier this month, the state police have identified an NGO allegedly involved in collecting funds to incite the rioters in Banbhoolpura.
In a statement released on social media, the Uttarakhand police warned that NGOs suspected of donating funds for such purposes are being identified and investigated.
“The police are investigating a video circulating on social media showing a young man distributing money among the people in the Banbhoolpura area. Information related to the NGO’s account number, registration number, and PAN number has been provided to the Income Tax Department and other agencies, and necessary action is being taken,” the police said.
The statement further warned that action would be taken against those found to be involved in illegal money transactions, supporting rioters, spreading misinformation, or posting misleading information on social media platforms.
The police specifically mentioned that individuals donating to the Hyderabad Youth Courage NGO are currently under scrutiny.
Here are five key updates on the Haldwani violence case:
- A fresh case of fraud and criminal conspiracy was registered against six individuals, including the alleged mastermind Abdul Malik and his wife, in connection with the Haldwani violence.
- A total of 78 rioters have been arrested by the police so far.
- The houses of the absconding father-son duo, Abdul Malik and Abdul Moeed, were attached by the police last week.
- The Haldwani Civil Court issued orders to confiscate the property of nine miscreants, including Abdul Malik and his son, who are believed to be the masterminds behind the violence.
- The Haldwani Municipal Corporation issued a recovery notice of ₹2.44 crore against Abdul Malik, demanding compensation for the damage caused to government property during the clash.
The violence erupted on February 8 following the demolition of an illegally constructed madrasa in the Banbhoolpura area. Local residents threw stones and petrol bombs at municipal workers and police, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including police personnel and journalists. Six rioters were killed, and more than a hundred people were injured in the incident, according to the police.