The Uttarakhand High Court has intervened by halting a significant recovery notice of Rs 2.42 crore issued by the Municipal Corporation to Abdul Malik, the primary accused in the Haldwani violence. Senior Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari made this decision after thorough consideration, while Abdul Malik was prominently implicated in various violent episodes during the tumultuous events.
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NAINITAL: Recently, The Uttarakhand High Court has intervened by staying a hefty recovery notice of Rs 2.42 crore issued by the Municipal Corporation to Abdul Malik, the primary accused in the unfortunate incident. Senior Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari presiding over a single bench made this pivotal decision after a thorough consideration of the case.
Abdul Malik, prominently implicated in the Haldwani violence, found himself at the center of stone-pelting episodes, vehicular arson, and the alarming spectacle of a mob besieging the local police station during the tumultuous events.
The Municipal Corporation, through a notice dated February 12, 2024, demanded Abdul Malik to furnish a staggering sum of Rs. 2.42 crore within a mere three days to compensate for the losses incurred during the riots on February 8 in Banbhulpura. Citing numerous casualties and extensive damage to government property amounting to crores of rupees, the municipal notice squarely placed the blame on Malik as the prime accused.
Following Malik’s inability to meet the excessive demand, the administration swiftly commenced recovery proceedings. Consequently, on April 25, the Haldwani Tehsildar issued a subsequent notice aiming to collect the outstanding sum. Nevertheless, Abdul Malik opted to contest the municipal corporation’s directive in the esteemed chambers of the High Court. His argument centered on challenging the authority of the allegations leveled against him.
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“The verdict from the High Court marks a victory for justice. Suspending the recovery notice provides a much-needed sense of relief during these turbulent times,”
-remarked a member of Malik’s legal team, echoing the sentiments of many who perceived the demand as unjustified given the ongoing legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Municipal Corporation reiterated the administration’s commitment to upholding law and order, emphasizing the need for swift restitution for the victims of the violence.
“While we acknowledge and respect the court’s ruling, it remains crucial to uphold accountability for the damages incurred during the period of unrest,”
-the spokesperson asserted.
Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari has granted temporary relief to Abdul Malik, a key figure in the ongoing legal proceedings. Acknowledging the petitioner’s argument, the court has issued a stay on the recovery notice.
The violence, which erupted in Banbhulpura, Haldwani, on February 8, left a grim toll with four fatalities and over 250 policemen injured. Reports indicated that the mob went as far as setting ablaze the Banbhulpura police station, escalating tensions in the region. To contain the situation, authorities swiftly imposed a curfew across the town for a span of two days.
Amidst the chaos, the Haldwani Civil Court took decisive action, issuing orders on February 8 to confiscate the property of nine individuals allegedly involved in the unrest. Among them was Abdul Malik and his son, purportedly identified as the mastermind behind the violence triggered by the demolition of what authorities deemed an “illegal structure.” This demolition was part of a broader anti-encroachment drive initiated on the same day.
“This suspension of the recovery notice offers a vital relief for my client,”
-remarked Malik’s legal counsel during the court proceedings.
“We contend that the allegations against him lack substantial evidence, and we hold confidence in proving his innocence as the legal process unfolds.”
Meanwhile, tensions remain palpable in Banbhulpura as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violent episode. Local residents express a mixture of fear and frustration over the events that transpired.
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“We call for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and accountability for those accountable for the loss of lives and property.”
– emphasized a community leader, echoing the sentiments of many affected by the violence.
