By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Kashipur, 22 Sep: A police case has been registered against three named individuals and hundreds of unidentified persons following a violent incident late last night in Alli Khan locality in Kashipur (District Udham Singh Nagar), where a police team attempting to control an unauthorised ‘I love Mohammad’ procession was attacked with sticks and stones. In response to the unrest, Senior Superintendent of Police Manikant Mishra has established a temporary base in Kashipur and has ordered deployment of personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) to maintain law and order.
Sources in the Police claim that the police officials are currently analysing video footage to identify those involved in the assault on police personnel, verbal abuse, and vandalism of government vehicles and property.
Based on a complaint lodged by Sub-Inspector (SI) Anil Joshi of Kashipur Kotwali, a case has been registered against Nadeem Akhtar, Hanif Gandhi, Danish Chaudhary, and between 400 to 500 unidentified persons under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The investigation has been entrusted to Sub-Inspector Sunil Sutedi, in-charge of Tanda Chowki.
According to the police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m., when authorities received information about a large group taking out an unauthorised procession in the Alli Khan area. Upon attempting to halt the gathering, the crowd, while proceeding towards Valmiki Basti, encircled the police team and resorted to physical assault, including pushing, kicking, punching, and using abusive language.
According to the eyewitnesses, during the confrontation, significant damage was inflicted on two police vehicles, one Dial 112 vehicle (UK 01 GA-0336) and a police station vehicle (UK 07 GA-4524) and their windows and bonnets were shattered. The mob also tore the uniforms of police personnel and created an atmosphere of fear, thereby obstructing official duties. The case has been registered under BNS sections 191(2), 191(3), 121(1), 132, 221, 352, 351(2), 324(3), and 190.
SSP Manikant Mishra confirmed that efforts are underway to identify all the persons who participated in the attack and caused damage to police vehicles. Given the fact that government property was also targeted, proceedings under anti-riot provisions are being initiated. It has also been learnt that some of the accused have begun seeking anticipatory bail from the Nainital High Court.
Meanwhile, Municipal Mayor Deepak Bali and other local representatives have apprised Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of the situation. The CM is learnt to have unequivocally stated that lawlessness will not be tolerated and that stringent action shall be taken against all those found guilty under the applicable legal provisions.
