Uttarakhand violence: Alleged mastermind nabbed in Delhi
New Delhi: Police have apprehended Abdul Malik, the suspected orchestrator of the recent turmoil in Uttarakhand, who had been missing for 16 days, on Saturday in Delhi, media reported.
The unrest erupted on February 8 following the demolition of an illegally constructed Madrasa in the Banbhoolpura region of Haldwani.
Locals unleashed violence, pelting stones and throwing petrol bombs at municipal workers and police officers, who went to demolish the structure. Several police personnel had to take refuge in a police station, which was also set ablaze by the mob.
During the violence, six people involved in the rioting were killed, and over 100 individuals, including police officers and members of the media, sustained injuries, police said.
Abdul Malik was identified as the person behind the construction of the religious school and vehemently opposed its demolition.
His wife, Safia Malik, sought legal recourse by petitioning the High Court to halt the demolition, but her efforts did not yield immediate results.
It is alleged that Malik incited the violence in Banbhoolpura and had been missing since the outbreak of violence.
His legal representatives filed for anticipatory bail in the Haldwani session court, asserting that Malik was not present in the vicinity during the violent events. The application also disclosed Malik's residence in Delhi.
After reviewing the application, the Uttarakhand Police proceeded to the specified address in Delhi and apprehended Abdul Malik. He is currently being transported back to the state.
Over 50 individuals have been arrested thus far in connection with the disturbances.
Previously, the Haldwani Municipal Corporation issued a recovery notice of Rs 2.44 crore against Abdul Malik, demanding compensation for the damage inflicted on government property during the unrest.
The Haldwani Civil Court also authorised the confiscation of assets belonging to nine people involved in the violence, including Abdul Malik and his son. Their properties have since been seized by authorities.
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