Haldwani: 4 dead, 250 injured in illegal madrasa clearance operation

Widespread violence over the demolition of an illegal madrasa and an adjoining illigal mosque in Uttarakhand's Haldwani, led Four people died and 250 were injured in on Thursday.

The entire city has been placed under curfew, with shoot-at-sight orders issued against rioters and also internet services completely shut down as precautionery messures.

Following a court order when a team of government officials, accompanied by policemen, attempted to raze the structures the confrontation reached a extreme level.

The madrasa and mosque had been declared illegal by the administration, leading to their demolition. However, this move was met with fierce resistance from residents in the Vanbhulpura area of Haldwani.

The voilent mob attacked injured over 50 policemen, with several administration officials, municipal workers, and journalists also caught in the crossfire.

The large group, described as "unruly elements," threw stones at the officials, prompting the police to retaliate with tear gas. The violence escalated as vehicles outside the police station were set on fire.