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“They wanted to set us on fire”: Here are 11 visuals and 4 testimonies that reveal the carnage unleashed by Muslim mob in Haldwani

OpIndia Staff
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“They wanted to set us on fire”: Here are 11 visuals and 4 testimonies that reveal the carnage unleashed by Muslim mob in Haldwani

The visuals of sheer rascality that ensued in Haldwani on Thursday (8th February) have exposed the vile face of radical Islamists once again. Videos of the arson and vandalism have been doing rounds on social media ever since the mob attacked the authorities in Banbhoolpur over the demolition of an illegal madrassa.

In one such video which appears to have been shot by someone amidst the mob itself, a large number of arsonists can be seen vandalising the street.

Establishments across the street, as seen in the video, along with several vehicles have been set ablaze. Pieces of shattered glass can be seen lying on the road.

Several men donning skullcaps and some covering their faces can be seen rushing about damaging property. Men can be seen pelting stones while some others can be seen armed with some sort of equipment.

In the video, a man can be heard saying, “Be* inn sabki b**** ** * ki.” Some men can be seen torching property too. A sea of mobsters can be seen rushing at regular intervals.

Another group of men is seen pushing a police patrolling van. Towards the end of the video, it can be gauged from the audio that the man standing next to the person shooting the video wasn’t aware that the arson was being recorded. When he suspects, he asks for the phone of the person at which point the video ends.

Another video shows a group largely comprised of Muslim women coming at a group of policemen and policewomen. A cop is then seen falling on the ground while two men among the crowd of burqa-clad get too close to him as if trying to catch hold of the cop.

The policeman then gets up immediately and hits the two men with his stick by which time the crowd disburses.

A third video shot from some distance shows yellow and red flames and large plumes of smoke emerging at a distance even as a patrol vehicle damaged by the mob is parked right in the middle of the street.

Again men can be seen in skullcaps in this video while the mob continues to surround the already damaged police vehicle.

A fourth video was shot by a local residing at a locality near the site of violence. The video shot from the local’s rooftop shows a large crowd of smoke emanating from the violence site where fires were lit by the mob.

The local points to the sound of shots being fired. A total of 4 rounds of firing can be heard in the 27-second-long video.

In a fifth video, taken during the demolition in the evening, the police visibly appear surrounded and stuck as stones are pelted at them.

Police forces can be seen trying to make their way through narrow lanes even as the mob is seen pelting huge bricks and stones at them with absolutely no fear of the law.

Another video shows a patrol vehicle set ablaze in the evening and the street completely laden with bricks and stones. The video appears to have been shot from the side of the police. Stones are being thrown from the very houses under which the forces are standing on the street.

The seventh video shows police personnel passing through the street where vehicles have been burnt to ashes while blazes are emanating from another vehicle.

In the eight video, Islamists can be seen throwing large stones at the police force while they take shelter. A mobster from the crowd then throws an object after setting it on fire.

The ninth video shows a large crowd of young Muslim men, some dressed in pajama kameez and wearing a skull cap, pelting stones and actively rushing to attack with rage.

A video shot from a rooftop under the night sky shows flames and flames all across a street in the area with vehicle after vehicle burning to ashes.

The tenth video doing rounds on social media shows on camera the narrow escape of some police personnel as a petrol bomb was hurled at them right next to where a fire was raging. This attempt to kill was made from a narrow lane and at the same time, stones were being hurled at the forces.

A video from Friday morning shows the aftermath of the arson. The footage shows a charred bike, patrol vehicle and several other vehicles burnt beyond recognition.

More than 300 police personnel injured as attempt was made by the mob to “burn them alive”

Several testimonies have also come to the fore including those of the policemen who were injured and rescued from the mouth of death. According to authorities, the mob attacked the police with the intent to burn them alive.

A woman cop undergoing treatment in the hospital spoke to the media. “We saved ourselves somehow. We took shelter in a house when stones were being pelted. At least 15-20 of us took shelter. Then they (the mob) tried to set us on fire, pelted stones and everything. We saved ourselves with a lot of difficulty. Then our force arrived. The condition was very bad,” she said.

She said that stones were being pelted from all the streets on all four sides and all rooftops. “They had surrounded all the streets. We got hit a lot,” she added.

She further narrated that the person who was sheltering and protecting the police force was also abused by the mob. “The person’s house and its doors were broken. They threw glass pieces, glass bottles and bricks also from the rooftops while we were trying to escape,” she said.

The mob, she had, had blocked the roads. The woman cop said that she was unable to walk and was visibly in pain.

Another policeman recorded a video of himself which appears near the site of the incident late on Thursday evening. The cop can be seen wearing full protective gear despite which he sustained injuries owing to the fatal attack by the jihadis.

“I have been injured (in the attack) on the Banbhoolpura demolition. A big brick hit me here (upper lip). There is a swelling here. I am wounded in the leg, back and waist. My leg is scratched. I am seriously injured. I have been saved by Bhagwan’s grace,” the cop said.

Another policeman narrated their ordeal in the hospital. He said the police were the mob’s target. “As soon as we reached the demolition site, we were surrounded. They had started following us and pelting stones while we were en route. Somehow we stalled them and made it through to the site. When we reached, they surrounded us from all sides,” he said.

The cop narrated that by the time the illegal structure was demolished and some last stage of demolition was left, they started stepping out of the area by which time the mob increased.

“They (the mob) followed us as we began to leave. Some cops were left behind. Some got injured too,” he said. He also pointed at a cop lying on the bed behind him whose rib was broken.

He said that windows of vehicles were also broken by the mob and they pelted stones inside the vehicles too. “Many people suffered fractures in their shoulders. Vehicles have been burned including a patrolling vehicle, a tractor of the civic body. They had guns too and were firing shots,” he said.

He added that many have suffered severe blows to the head too.

Journalists, and media vehicles also targeted

Journalist Mukesh Saxena was among those injured in the stone pelting by the Islamists in Banbhoolpura.

His hand is plastered and supported by an arm sling and his leg is also fractured. “Police and journalists were targeted and such that the cops have got serious injuries, media vehicles have been damaged and media persons also injured,” he said.

Saxena said that this was planned. He denied that the attack was sudden. “The structure was demolished at around 4.30 pm and at 4.45 pm the stone pelting began. This was done with complete planning,” he said.

The journalist held the residents of Banbhoolpura responsible. He said the mob tried to encroach the illegal structure.

Haldwani violence

On 8th February, an unruly Muslim mob took over the streets and surrounded the area where the district administration along with police security had arrived to demolish an illegal madrassa in Banbhoolpur area in Haldwani. Angered with the anti-encroachment drive which was conducted as per due procedure, the mob targeted an entire police station injuring hundreds of police personnel.

Large stones, bricks were pelted by the mob at the personnel, petrol bombs were hurled, glass pieces and bottles were hurled from rooftops and from the ground. Gun shots were also fired by the mob.

Following this, shoot at site orders were issued by the government and a curfew was imposed. Internet is still suspended in the area and schools are shut for the time being. Authorities have said the situation is now under control.

PFI and Bangladeshi intruders behind Haldwani violence: Former UP DGP and Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal asks for the harshest punishment for the culprits

OpIndia Staff
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PFI and Bangladeshi intruders behind Haldwani violence: Former UP DGP and Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal asks for the harshest punishment for the culprits

On 8th February, major violence erupted in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani after Muslim protesters pelted stones at police personnel and indulged in arson following the demolition of an unlawfully constructed Madrasa on government property. Now, the former Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttar Pradesh and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha Member Brij Lal has reacted to the shocking incident and expressed apprehension that the banned extremist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) and Bangladeshi infiltrators could be responsible for the unrest.

He argued for imposing strict sections on the rioters that prevent them from being granted bail and defended the removal of encroachment. According to the parliamentarian, the manner in which the violence was executed appeared to have been meticulously planned. He insisted on an extensive inquiry into the occurrence and advocated for severe penalties for the perpetrators.

Brij Lal blamed Bangladeshi intruders who had snuck into India and PFI for the chaos. He declared the assault on the Haldwani police station a grave offence and called for the agitators to be thrown behind bars. The MP further referred to the administration’s action of taking down the illicit structure as absolutely according to the law. He noted that the matter was not sub judice in court and it was necessary to carry out the action.

Brij Lal said that removing illegal constructions on encroached govt land is the right move by the govt and demanded action under the NSA against the perpetrators. He said, “Violence cannot be tolerated. Their ring leaders who planned it should be jailed under National Security Act and the Uttarakhand government will definitely do it. There is a conspiracy. It wouldn’t have happened on its own.”

Notably, Brij Lal, a 1997 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) official served as the Chief of Police of Uttar Pradesh between 2011 and 2012.

Several other leaders have also said that the violence was done under a conspiracy.  BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harnath Yadav said, “The incident in Haldwani is a conspiracy. Bombs, country pistols, and other weapons were used, and government officials and police were attacked. There should be an order to shoot rioters at sight… There is no need to be lenient with them.”

BJP MP also Ashok Bajpai called the incident unfortunate and a probable conspiracy. “The incident is very unfortunate, it looks like a conspiracy because the encroachment was removed based on the order of the Supreme Court. Stone pelting, petrol bombs, and firing was done at a large scale. Police personnel have been hurt, strict action needs to be taken,” he said.

Cops came under attack from radical mobs as they entered the Muslim-majority area to execute the demolition of the religious institution. Hundreds of policemen and policewomen were injured in the deadly assault. Islamists encircled the police station before setting fire to the cars parked outside the building in Banbhoolpura. Furthermore, they ignited a transformer which caused a power outage in the region. A crowd stormed the Banbhoolpura police station, trapping several journalists and administration personnel inside.

Haldwani has been placed under curfew and security forces have been deployed as a result of the instance. The government issued orders to shoot the rioters at sight. At least six people have died due to the violence so far. On 9th February, the state government imposed a high alert throughout the region, and Banbhoolpura’s security was beefed up. Meanwhile, the district administration ordered the suspension of internet services and the closure of all schools and colleges.

Delhi LG approves CBI probe against former Tihar Superintendent for aiding AAP leader Satyendar Jain in extorting ₹10 crore from Sukesh Chandrashekhar

ANI
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Delhi LG approves CBI probe against former Tihar Superintendent for aiding AAP leader Satyendar Jain in extorting ₹10 crore from Sukesh Chandrashekhar

Delhi LG V K Saxena has sanctioned a CBI inquiry under Section 17A of Prevention of Corruption (POC) Act, 1988, against Raj Kumar, the then Superintendent of Jail No. 4, Tihar Jail, for aiding former Delhi Minister and AAP leader Satyendar Jain in extorting Rs 10 crore from Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who was then also lodged in Tihar Jail, the LG office said in a press release.

Raj Kumar allegedly helped the high-profile extortion racket being run from Tihar Jail, which extorted and received money from Chandrashekhar as protection money, so as to enable him to live peacefully and comfortably in jail.

“The matter is being investigated by the CBI and the request for prosecution sanction had come to the LG, who is the competent authority in the matter, through the Directorate of Vigilance (DoV), GNCTD,” the LG office further said.

The CBI is probing the charges made by Sukesh that Jain had extorted and received Rs 10 crore from Sukesh Chandrashekhar in various tranches during 2018-21 either personally or through his accomplices, including Raj Kumar, as protection money so as to enable Sukesh ‘to live peacefully and comfortably in different jails of Delhi (Tihar, Rohini and Mandoli)’.

“Raj Kumar was a close associate of Sandeep Goel and aided him in extorting money from Chandrashekhar and even himself tried to extort money from the conman through PayTM mode. Goel and Mukesh Prasad are also accused of receiving Rs 12.50 crore in various tranches during 2019-22 from Sukesh Chandrashekhar,” the LG office added.

Jain, Goel, Prasad and Kumar are accused of misusing their official positions as public servants in extending undue favour to Sukesh Chandrashekhar and other high-profile inmates in Delhi Jails in lieu valuable considerations.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Committed to making sure that US remains a safe destination for Indian students: US Ambassador to India amid rising attack on Indian students in the US

ANI
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Committed to making sure that US remains a safe destination for Indian students: US Ambassador to India amid rising attack on Indian students in the US

In the wake of recent incidents involving the deaths of Indian students in the United States, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Friday reassured that Washington is committed to make sure that United States remains a safe destination for Indian students.

Notably, five deaths of Indian students in the US have been reported this year, however, two were Indian nationals and the remaining three were of Indian origin.

Speaking on the unfortunate loss of Indian lives, Ambassador Garcetti said, “Our heart always is touched when any tragedy occurs, whether it is a life taken by somebody or any violence – no matter who they are. We are very committed to making sure that Indians know that the United States is a wonderful place to study and to be safe.”

Highlighting the significant number of Indians studing in the US, Ambassador Garcetti underscored the collaborative responsibility of both nations to address such incidents. “We have more Indians studying in the US than any country in the world,” he told ANI, emphasising the need for cooperation between the US and Indian governments to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Acknowledging that tragedies can occur, Ambassador Garcetti expressed the joint responsibility of both countries to work together and inform the public about the measures they can take. He extended condolences to the affected families, stating, “Our hearts go out to the families in any of these tragedies.”

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed the unfortunate deaths of five Indian students in the United States, emphasising that there was “no foul play or interconnectedness” in the incidents.

MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “There are five Indian students who have died that also includes students from the diaspora. These five deaths… Of these five deaths, two people are Indian nationals and the rest three are of Indian origin. They are US nationals.”

The MEA spokesperson stated that in the case in which Vivek Saini was brutally killed with repeated blows from a hammer by a homeless man inside a store in Lithonia, Georgia, US on January 29.

“The culprit has been arrested and the local authorities are investigating the matter and taking it forward,” Jaiswal said.

In another case at the University of Cincinnati, preliminary report suggests no foul play, although the medical report is awaited, the MEA spokesperson said.

“The second case of an Indian student in the University of Cincinnati. He passed away also. There is no foul play. This is what the preliminary report says. No foul play in that particular case as well. But we await the medical report,” Jaiswal said.

Jaiswal emphasised the lack of interconnectedness among the incidents and highlighted the nationality of the deceased individuals. Additionally, he said, the MEA is actively engaged with local authorities, consulates, and missions to support the affected families.

“The other three deaths that have happened are those of people of Indian origin who are US nationals. We are in touch with local authorities there in the cases of Indian nationals. As also our consulate and our mission they are in touch with family members. They are also in touch with the students,” the MEA spokesperson said.

While addressing concerns about the recent attack on a Hyderabad resident, Mazir Ali, in Chicago, Jaiswal stated that the Indian consulate in Chicago is in close contact with him and his family.

“The Indian consulate in Chicago is in touch with both the family as also Ali, he’s a student there. We are trying to see how best to help him with medical aid. Also to ensure his wellbeing. I understand that the local police have registered a case and the consulate is there to provide all possible support,” Jaiswal said.

Ali, a student, was attacked by four robbers, prompting his wife to seek an expedited emergency visa. The MEA is actively working to provide medical aid and support to Ali, who is now under the care of local authorities.

The MEA reiterated its commitment to assisting Indian nationals abroad and emphasised its ongoing efforts to coordinate with local authorities and ensure the well-being of affected individuals.

As investigations into these incidents continue, the MEA appealed to recognise that each case is independent, and there is no evidence of any interconnectedness among the tragic events involving Indian students and individuals of Indian origin in the United States.

“You will come to know more, when the time comes, but my request to you is that you must see that there is no interconnectedness in this, they are not related,” the MEA said.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Salman Azhari withdrew more than ₹27 lakhs from his ‘charitable trust’ in 2023, court sends Islamic hate preacher to police remand

OpIndia Staff
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Salman Azhari withdrew more than ₹27 lakhs from his ‘charitable trust’ in 2023, court sends Islamic hate preacher to police remand

Days after the arrest of Salman Azhari in connection to his genocidal speech against the Hindu community in Junagadh city of Gujarat, it has come to light that the Islamic hate preacher withdrew ₹27.75 lakh from a charitable trust account within 1 year.

The matter came to light during a probe by the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Junagadh district police into the financial dealings and foreign trips of Salman Azhari. This crucial piece of information was conveyed to the judicial magistrate of Junagadh by Inspector JJ Patel through an affidavit.

According to the LCB, a whopping ₹52 lakh was deposited in the bank account of Salman Azhari-run charitable trust ‘Al-Amaan Education and Welfare Trust’ in 2023. The police are now investigating the money trail and determining whether funds have been channelled for illegal activities.

“We are investigating who deposited this money…As per the bank account statement, (Azhari) himself withdrew Rs 27.75 lakh from it. We are investigating how he used the money. If it emerges that the money was used for illegal activities, we may need his presence for interrogation,” Inspector JJ Patel stated opposing the bail application of Salman Azhari.

Besides, the Local Crime Branch of Junagadh district police found three other bank accounts associated with the Islamic hate preacher and his family.

Inspector JJ Patel added in his affidavit, “Efforts are on to get details of all those accounts. Once we have those details, it is likely that we will need the presence of the accused for an in-depth investigation about each transaction.”

The cops are also probing the overseas travels of Salman Azhari from 2022 till now, based on his passport number.

Salman Azhari sent to police remand

On Thursday (8th February), the Kutch police produced Salman Azhari before the judicial magistrate and sought 14 days of custody.

After hearing the matter, judicial magistrate Yogita Sharma sent the hate preacher to police remand till Sunday (11th February). While speaking on the issue, police inspector N N Chudasama informed, “The court sent Azhari to three-days police remand.”

“We need to find the source of funding for the program where the alleged speech was made and who else were involved. We also need to check his social media accounts,” he added.

The controversy surrounding Salman Azhari

On 31st January, Salman Azhari made derogatory remarks against the Hindu community during his 56-minute-long speech in Junagadh city of Gujarat.

In the contentious video that went viral on social media, the radical Islamic preacher was heard saying, “Abhi to karbala ka akhiri maidan baqi hai…Kuch der ki khamoshi hai, fir shore ayega… Aaj kutton ka wakt hai, kal hamara daur ayega (The final battle of Karbala is yet to come… a moment of silence, then there will be noise again. The dogs are having their time today. Our time will come tomorrow).”

His provocative remarks against the Hindus were applauded by his supporters, who yelled ‘Labbek ya Rasulullah’ in unison. But this was not the only genocidal comment made by Salman Azhar on that day.

Prior to his ‘dog reference’, Salman Azhari spoke in the context of the Ram Mandir Pran Prathiostha at Ayodhya and the legal battle surrounding the disputed Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi.

“If you keep idols inside a mosque, then, it will not become an idol-worshipping place (referring to temples),” he had stated. Azhari defended the tendency of Islamic invaders to appropriate religious structures of non-Muslims and pagans.

“You have kept 1 idol ( at Ram Mandir) but there were 360 idols at Kaaba. Even then, the Kaaba belonged to the Muslims. This did not atop the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj,” he continued.

“…Dear Muslims, the revolution will begin from your homes. They (Hindus) do not have the courage to convert your mosques to idol-worshipping places (referring to temples). You have yourself abandoned the mosques,” Azhari further added.

While referring to the Hindus as ‘dogs’, he emphasised, “We have a saying – When the ground is left open, dogs take over the place. But if you keep using the ground, then, they won’t become the shelter for dogs.”

Following his speech, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him. On Sunday (4th February), a team of Gujarat police reached Mumbai and arrested Salman Azhari in connection to his genocidal comments.

The cops also obtained a 2-day transit remand to take the Islamic hate preacher to Junagadh in Gujarat. As expected, Muslim ‘journalists’ came to defend Azhari on social media and seek his immediate release.

Haldwani where Islamists rioted, destroyed temple to usurp land and forced Hindus to live in fear: Some disturbing facts OpIndia uncovered last year

OpIndia Staff
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Haldwani where Islamists rioted, destroyed temple to usurp land and forced Hindus to live in fear: Some disturbing facts OpIndia uncovered last year

Haldwani in Uttarakhand witnessed unbridled violence on Thursday, February 8. A raft of Islamists indulged in open acts of violence against policemen and civic authorities who went there to remove a structure illegally constructed on encroached government land in the Banbhoolpura police station area, which some labelled a madarsa and others a Namaz place.

Several videos emerged showing Islamists pelting stones, shooting guns, and indulging in rampant arson and violence. There are testimonies from police officials which claim that the Muslim mob wanted to set them on fire. As many as 6 people lost their lives and more than 300 policemen were injured in the Islamist violence.

This was, however, not the first time that tensions have flared in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Radical Islamists have targeted this place earlier too. In fact, even in January last year, when the court ordered the demolition of illegal encroachments from the railway land last year (a decision that was later stayed by the Supreme Court), these individuals had attempted to ruin the atmosphere of the area. At that time, OpIndia journalist Rahul Pandey visited the location to carry out an in-depth investigation that yielded many shocking facts.

The crew arrived in Haldwani on January 3, 2023, and worked tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the protest and debunk the ‘Muslims in India under attack’ narrative that was being propagated then.

During the investigation, OpIndia spoke to locals in Haldwani who apprised us of the rapid demographic shift in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani area. Hindus in the Banbhoolpura area explained how their predicaments increased over the last ten years since the Muslim population there rose significantly. They said they were clueless about how the Muslim population expanded so quickly and from where and why these people were coming.

Some alleged that Muslims moved to Rampur, Nazimabad, and Bijnor in search of work and settled there after illegally acquiring land in the area. According to information provided by a Hindu, there are an infinite number of weapons gathered around the region by these extremists.

Love jihad, forced conversion and looming threats: Hindus in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani narrated their pitiful plight to the OpIndia team

When the OpIndia journalist spoke to some Hindus residing in Indira Nagar in Banbhoolpura in Haldwani, they looked visibly worried for their and their family’s safety. A 72-year-old elderly man who reluctantly shared the plight of the handful of Hindus remaining in the Banbhoolpura area in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani city alleged that people of the Muslim community, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, come to their houses and start kicking their doors at random odd hours. When the Hindus oppose, they hush the matter by pinning the blame on others.

A disabled Hindu resident of Banbhoolpura lamented how he and his family want the Government of India to relocate them since the conditions are no longer tenable for Hindus to live there. Another Hindu residing there told us how Hindu-Muslim clashes are common there and how it has occurred several times in the past.

Another Hindu resident of Indira Nagar lamented how incidents of love jihad remain common in the Banbhoolpura locality. Meanwhile, another individual bemoaned how his Hindu brother was forcefully converted to Islam. The Hindus of Indira Nagar told us that they couldn’t even play Holi properly under past governments. 

House constructed by demolishing a Shiva temple

An elderly man in his sixties told us that a man named Satyanarayan Tiwari, who once lived in the Banbhoolpura area, had constructed a small Shiva Mandir near his house. After a few days, when Satyanarayan Tiwari went away, some Muslims in the area not only forcefully acquired his house but also the Shiv Mandir he had constructed near it. The Muslims demolished the Mandir and built the house, where they are now living, the man recalled.

Hindu children compelled to learn Urdu and recite Namaz in school

We were told by two minor Hindu children from Banbhoolpura that they were taught Urdu in school. When we requested him to recite the school prayer, he recited some Islamic prayers to us. 

Meanwhile, the children’s parents told us that when they discovered that their children were being taught Urdu and made to recite Namaz in school, they took them out of this school and got them admitted to some other school.

Some Hindu women residing in the locality revealed how they are subjected to harassment whenever they walk down the street. 

Rohingyas and Bangladeshis are also settled in the illegal colony

OpIndia team which conducted a ground investigation into the controversy over the eviction of illegal encroachers on railway land in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, also discovered how Rohingyas and Bangladeshis had also illegally encroached upon Indian Railway land and settled there.

Since the illegal encroachers were mostly Muslims and state administration was getting the encroachment removed on High Court order (later stayed by Supreme Court) the leftists had things served on a platter to make a communal issue out of it and cry ‘Muslims under attack by Hindu nationalist party’ on international platforms. Protests were orchestrated and efforts were made to turn it into yet another ‘Shaheen Bagh‘.

Local and religious leaders had used children in the protests that they orchestrated to save these illegal encroachments from bulldozer action.

During the course of our investigation, when we spoke to some small children playing near the railway tracks they revealed how they were driven to participate in the ‘protest’. One of the minor children playing there, who identified himself as Mohammad Sameer, told OpIndia how one Imran Hafeez had coerced him and many other children to participate in the Haldwani ‘protest.’ He also revealed how Hafiz Imran has asked all the children to come dressed up in their Madarsa uniforms.

He added that one Madeen bhai, on the orders of Hafeez Imran, had gathered 10-12 children and brought them to the demonstration venue to participate in the protest.

The Wire supported spreading the propaganda

During the course of our investigation, we also revealed how the leftist media had geared up to make the Haldwani protests by the illegal encroachers their new propaganda tool. Since most of the illegal encroachers on the railway land were Muslims, social media was flooded with viral videos claiming that the court-ordered removal of illegal encroachers was a ‘conspiracy’ against Muslims.

During our time at the location, we spotted a man who identified himself as a journalist who was talking to the encroachers and tutoring them on what to say. Notably, he clearly asked them not to speak in Urdu but to speak in Hindi and how it would come on channels such as the leftist propaganda outlet The Wire. 

He showed them a video of Arfa Khanum Sherwani of The Wire and said, “She is a Muslim. She is from your community. She speaks so well.” He said that the video would appear on the likes of The Wire.

Haldwani violence

Notably, illegal encroachment on government land has been a perennial issue in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani district with the administration finding it challenging to deal with the situation. On February 8 also, violence erupted when the administration was trying to demolish one such illegally constructed structure, which some claimed was a madarsa. A frenzied Muslim mob pelted stones at police personnel and civic authorities and indulged in arson.

As many as 4 people were reported dead and over 300 police personnel were injured in the violence.

Several videos emerged showing Islamists pelting stones, shooting guns, and indulging in rampant arson and violence. There are testimonies from police officials which claim that the Muslim mob wanted to set them on fire.

Notably, after the incident took place, the DM of Nainital category explained that the violence was pre-planned and that the Islamists had decided that the day the authorities came to demolish the structure following the High Court order, they would indulge in violence against them.

Haldwani violence: The mob took out petrol from parked motorbikes to make petrol bombs for the attack

OpIndia Staff
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Haldwani violence: The mob took out petrol from parked motorbikes to make petrol bombs for the attack

Petrol bombs were hurled at police, Haldwani Municipal Corporation workers and media persons in Banbhoolpura on 8th February 2024 after the administration demolished an illegal madarsa built on encroached government land. On Friday (9th February) Nainital DM Vandana Singh told the media that the first attack was with stones targeted and the mob then launched a second attack with petrol bombs and hurled them inside the police station.

According to reports, rioters extracted petrol from motorcycles parked on the roads and used it to make petrol bombs. A TV9 report shows a petrol-filled bottle and a lighter next to a parked motorbike. The video showed numerous bottles littered along the road, brought there by scrap pickers. These bottles were used by rioters to make petrol bombs. These bombs were subsequently thrown at the police and municipal corporation teams, as well as their vehicles, following the demolition of the illegal construction.

Speaking about the mob violence, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Anti-encroachment drive has been going on as per the court’s direction…administration had notified people beforehand… administration were attacked with petrol bombs, stones, there was arson also. Some people tried to create tension in Uttarakhand. The law will take strict action against it. Video footage of the whole incident is being retrieved, and those who damaged govt and public property will be made to pay for it…we are with the people who got injured…”

As reported earlier, Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh told the media that the attack on the police and the Haldwani Municipal Corporation team on 8th February was pre-planned. 

The angry mob attacked authorities who went there to demolish the construction on illegally encroached government land near the Banbhoolpura police station under the ongoing drive against illegal encroachments. The mob pelted stones at the policemen and Haldwani Municipal Corporation workers present there.

The action by the police municipal corporation authorities against the illegal construction on government land was taken after the Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday, did not grant relief to the petitioners Safia Malik and others seeking a stay on the demolition exercise.

‘The attack on police and journalists was pre-planned’, says journalist Mukesh Singh who was injured in Haldwani mob violence

OpIndia Staff
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‘The attack on police and journalists was pre-planned’, says journalist Mukesh Singh who was injured in Haldwani mob violence

One after the other, shocking revelations are being made in the Haldwani violence incident. On Friday (9th February), Nainital District Magistrate Vandana Singh told the media that the attack on the police and the Haldwani Municipal Corporation team on 8th February was pre-planned. Now, a journalist and victim of the riots Mukesh Singh has said that the attack was pre-planned to target police officials and mediapersons.

“Police personnel and mediapersons were targeted in the attack. They were targeted in such a way that several police officers have been seriously injured and vehicles of journalists have been set ablaze and they also sustained injuries. This [attack] was carried out with full planning. The incident unfolded at around 4:30 pm the illegal encroachment was demolished and by 4:45 pm there were around 1500 people at the spot. This was all done with planning by the residents of Banbhoolpura who hurled stones and petrol bombs,” Singh said.

Journalist Mukesh Singh injured during Haldwani violence speaks up from OpIndia Videos on Vimeo.

The journalist further added that the colony where the demolition exercise was undertaken is illegal. He said that action taken by the authorities against the illegally constructed madarsa-mosque on government land was in compliance with the Uttarakhand High Court order.

Moreover, Mukesh Singh said that several outsiders have settled in Banbhoolpura. “These people only know where they came from…many of them have no verification or IDs…they have come here from UP and that place [encroachment site] is illegal and they [madarsa-mosque authorities] had illegally encroached the government land. When the government reached yesterday to claim its land they were attacked with stones. The land is also not registered but only Rs 50 lease (pachaas rupay patte par zameen hai wo) and it belongs to Nagar Nigam (municipal corporation),” Singh said adding that Banbhoolpura police station and several vehicles were set ablaze by the rioters and petrol bombs were also hurled.

The violence in Banbhoolpura on Thursday left over three hundred police officials injured. Several videos of police officials injured in the mob violence have surfaced online. A woman police officer injured in the attack narrated the horror unleashed by the Islamist mob and said, “We sought refuge in a house to shield ourselves from the stone-throwing, when approximately 15 -20 individuals barged in, attacked us, stones were being hurled on us from all the sides, even from the rooftops. They also attempted to set the house ablaze, evidently with the intent to burn us alive. They wanted to burn us alive,” the injured officer said.

As reported earlier, an  Islamist mob unleashed violence in Banbhoolpura in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani over the demolition of an illegal madarsa and mosque on 8th February.

The angry mob attacked authorities who went there to demolish the construction on illegally encroached government land near the Banbhoolpura police station under the ongoing drive against illegal encroachments. The mob pelted stones at the policemen and Haldwani Municipal Corporation workers present there.

Speaking about the illegal structure in question, Senior Superintendent of Police Prahlad Meena said that the madarsa-mosque was constructed on unlawfully encroached government land. The officer said that the demolition exercise was undertaken in compliance with a court order.

Notably, Nainital DM Vandana Singh on Friday refuted claims of the property being a Madrasa, the DM specified that it was an empty property.

“It is an empty property that has two structures, which are not registered as religious structures or have been given any such recognition. Some call the structure a Madrasa,” she said.

It is pertinent to note that the action by the police municipal corporation authorities against the illegal construction on government land was taken after the Uttarakhand High Court on Thursday, did not grant relief to the petitioners Safia Malik and others seeking a stay on the demolition exercise.

Karnataka: Zeeshan, Mubarak and two others stabbed Susheel in Shivamogga for asking a 16-year-old not to perform bicycle stunts on road

OpIndia Staff
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Karnataka: Zeeshan, Mubarak and two others stabbed Susheel in Shivamogga for asking a 16-year-old not to perform bicycle stunts on road

Four Muslim youngsters stabbed a 23-year-old Hindu youth named Susheel in Karnataka’s Shikaripura town of Shivamogga gravely injuring him because he stopped them from performing stunts in the street in front of his residence. This infuriated the accused who brutally attacked him in the stomach and chest. According to the information, the incident transpired on the evening of 6th February. Two assailants who assaulted Susheel have been identified as Zeeshan and Mubarak.

The victim was reportedly strolling his dog when he spotted a 16-year-old doing wheeling and pulling off stunts on his bicycle in the street. Susheel told him to stop which led to an argument between the two. Afterwards, the juvinile left and then returned with more men and attacked the Hindu male. After brutally attacking Susheel, the group absconded from there. Susheel is undergoing medical treatment at a private hospital in Shivamogga and is out of danger. He is employed as a commuter operator in a college.

Authorities informed that they registered a case and already apprehended three culprits, one of whom is a minor. A senior police officer stated, “The preliminary enquiry has revealed that the accused was riding recklessly. The victim questioned them about the rash riding which led to the incident. Further investigation is going on. We have secured three accused including the juvenile. Teams have been formed to nab the fourth accused in the case.” The police mentioned that the offenders and Susheel were strangers.

After the incident, BY Vijayendra, the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s state unit and MLA from Shikaripura launched a scathing attack on the Congress government in Karnataka. He charged, “Whether it is the incident in Belagavi district or Haveri or Mangaluru or yesterday in Shikaripura, it seems as though anyone can do anything. The situation seems to be as though the entire police system has collapsed in the state. But the Chief Minister is sitting in Delhi along with his entire Cabinet.”

He added, “The Siddaramaiah government has failed on all fronts including in maintaining law and order, and the occurrence in Shikaripura is the result of it. There is a feeling that anyone can stab or murder anyone, there is no one to ask, police won’t do anything. There is especially a feeling that no one will touch the minorities under the Congress government and this has led to such incidents. Our (Shivamogga) MP B Y Raghavendra and party officials had visited the spot. I’m in touch with police officials.”

It is noteworthy that there was violence in Shivmogga even before the instance when a 26-year-old tailor and Bajrang Dal worker named Harsha was murdered in February 2022 because he used social media to make post regarding hijab and demanded uniform dress code in educational institutes.

Haldwani: Hindu man Ajay battling for life in hospital after Islamists shoot him in the abdomen, his uncle speaks exclusively to OpIndia

राहुल पाण्डेय
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Haldwani: Hindu man Ajay battling for life in hospital after Islamists shoot him in the abdomen, his uncle speaks exclusively to OpIndia

On Thursday (8th February), Islamists attacked a Hindu boy named Ajay while he was en route to the market to buy medicines for his mother. The incident took place during the outbreak of violence in Haldwani City in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.

The victim was shot several times and is currently battling for his life at the hospital. In a video that has now surfaced on social media, the family members of Ajay are seen crying inconsolably and narrating what transpired on Thursday evening.

“We were at home at that time. He (Ajay) was coming from the gym and was getting medicines for my mother. It was around 6 pm. There was darkness all around,” the brother of Ajay stated.

“We do not know who shot my brother. I only pray to God that my mother gets fine,” he added. The brother of Ajay requested the local administration to ensure the quick recovery of the victim and provide ration to his family.

A picture of Ajay, undergoing treatment in a hospital in the aftermath of the attack, has gone viral on social media. In the meantime, OpIndia reached out to Santosh Kumar, the uncle of Ajay and the Head of the village.

During the exclusive conversation, he informed us that the victim lived in the Muslim-dominated Gafoor basti. On Thursday (8th February), the victim went to buy Ayurvedic medicine for his ailing mother from a Muslim practitioner.

Ajay undergoing treatment at a hospital, image via X/Mr Sinha

Kumar narrated that Ajay was shot in the lower abdominal area and the bullet exited his body, leaving him in a critical condition. He added that the spine of the victim had been seriously injured.

He added that the bullet has damaged Ajay’s private parts and the bladder too. There was internal bleeding in his abdomen.

“At that time, the police were not firing shots. Only the rioters were raining down bullets,” he said on being asked about the perpetrator behind the shooting incident. The uncle of Ajay also told us that the victim was operated by doctors from 11 pm to 3:30 a.m.

He added that all medical expenses incurred in the treatment of the victim are being taken care of by the Uttarakhand government. “Ajay is roughly between 22-23 years of age. He was recently married, has one kid and worked as a scrap dealer.”

Santosh Kumar told OpIndia that a large contingent of police have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward situation. He added that the cops are proactively apprehending those involved in violence in Haldwani.

Riots in Haldwani

On Thursday (8th February), Islamists resorted to stone pelting and arson in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani area. The frenzied mob attacked authorities who went there to demolish a madrasa, which was built on illegally encroached govt land near the Banbhulpura police station.

The Islamists pelted stones at the policemen and Haldwani Municipal Corporation workers present there. Later, they surrounded the police station and went on to set fire to the vehicles stationed outside the Banbhulpura police station.

The mob also set a transformer on fire, resulting in a power outage in the area. Several journalists and administration officials were trapped inside the police station as a mob surrounded the Banbhulpura police station.

“Four people died in the violence-hit Banbhoolpura and more than 100 policemen were injured,” said State ADG Law & Order AP Anshuman.

Following the unrest, the district administration suspended internet services and ordered the closure of all schools and colleges. Uttarakhand government has put high alert in the state as a precaution after the violence.

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