In violence-hit Haldwani, final rites held overnight; FIRs name 16, more being identified

Talking to The Indian Express on Saturday morning, ADG Law and Order, A P Anshuman said that so far, three FIRs have been registered – for the attack at the police station, violence during the anti-encroachment drive and vandalising parked vehicles.

The FIRs are under several IPC sections including 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting armed with deadly weapon), 307 (attempt to murder), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to public servant), as well as sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

On Friday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who visited the district on Friday and met the injured police personnel, had said there had been an “attempt to kill” police and administration officials.

“The FIRs have named 16 people, of which five are arrested. Several others are booked as unidentified, and we are trying to identify them using video footage and other evidence. More FIRs could be registered,” he said.

The AGD said the cremation and burial of the victims was carried out on Friday night. While the curfew has been relaxed in the rest of Haldwani, it continues in Banbhoolpura area.

“We still have to identify many accused and take action against them. Thus we have not yet relaxed curfew in Banbhoolpura. We will do it soon,” he said.