North India

APCR Fact-Finding Report on Haldwani: State-Led Violence, Police Brutality, and Lack of Legal Support for Detainees

Report cites official neglect in mosque demolition, sparking Haldwani violence. Scrutinizes Commissioner Upadhyay's role despite transfer order.

A recent report sheds light on governmental negligence and rash actions in the demolition of a mosque and madrasa, sparking widespread violence in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) unveiled these findings about the February 8 unrest in a detailed document released at the Press Club recently.

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The APCR, dedicated to stopping hate speech and propaganda, documented the events leading to the turmoil. The report focuses on Haldwani Municipal Corporation Commissioner Pankaj Upadhyay’s role, who proceeded with the demolition despite his transfer order and ongoing legal proceedings.

Key individuals contributing firsthand knowledge included social activist Nausharan Kaur, journalist Ashok Kumar Sharma, former Planning Commission member Dr. Syeda Syedin Hameed, social worker Nadeem Khan Shaiq, and former chairman of the Delhi Minority Commission Wajahat Habibullah.

The report highlights that the demolished property had already been sealed by authorities, indicating government acquisition, yet the demolition occurred during ongoing legal proceedings.

Criticism in the report surrounds the timing and manner of the demolition, particularly its focus on religious structures, raising concerns about officials’ insensitivity and undue haste.

Hear from a member of the fact-finding team that went to Haldwani after the riots.

The incident has reignited discussions on the recurring pattern of attacks and marginalization of Muslims, echoing similar narratives in other regions.

The report condemns the state government and radical right-wing groups for fostering a polarizing narrative, including unsupported claims of various “Jihads” and calls for economic and social boycotts of Muslims.

It also questions the police response efficiency and intentions, pointing out discrepancies in official accounts regarding casualties and arrests, along with alleged brutality during raids and detentions.

Additionally, it reveals a pattern of police raids, detentions, and alleged brutality, underscoring a lack of legal support for detainees, with reports of beatings and detainees being taken to undisclosed locations for interrogation.

The fact-finding committee, comprising APCR, Karawan-e-Mohabbat, and activist Sahid Qadri, visited Haldwani to prepare the report, interviewing locals, journalists, writers, lawyers, and others for information.

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