Haldwani (Uttarakhand):One person was shot dead while three others were grievously injured after police opened fire on people protesting against the demolition of a madrasa authorities claimed was illegally built in the Haldwani area in Nainital district of Uttarakhand on Thursday.
Police sources confirmed that one person was fatally shot while three other persons, who also received bullet injuries, were critical. The firing occurred shortly after authorities on Thursday evening imposed a curfew and shoot-at-sight orders in Banbhulpura police station area where protests erupted earlier in the day following the demolition of the 'illegal' madras during a drive carried out by Haldwani Municipal Corporation
Stones were pelted at policemen and clashes and incidents of arson took place in Banbhulpura police station area in Haldwani after authorities demolished the religious structure. Under the drive, the district administration along with the Haldwani Municipal Corporation have been razing illegal properties including religious structures on government land for the last few days.
A joint team reached theMallik ke Bagicheunder Banbhulpura police station area with a bulldozer and pulled down the madrasa. When the bulldozers were pressed into action, the locals started protesting against the government for demolishing the religious structure. Stones were pelted at the JCB machine and police personnel from rooftops. A few cops also suffered injuries. When policemen tried to stop the protesters, a clash broke out. Also, some vehicles were set on fire. With the situation escalating, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.