'Mastermind' of Haldwani violence arrested in Delhi

DEHRADUN: In a joint operation with Delhi police, Nainital police on Sunday detained Abdul Malik, suspected mastermind of Haldwani violence that left five dead and dozens injured, from Delhi. Cops said Malik, owner of Malik Ka Bagicha, a spot around which violence had erupted, built an "illegal" madrassa and mosque in Banphoolpura. His son, who was not named, and SP leader Matin Siddiqui's brother Javed Siddiqui have also been held.
Police on Sunday apprehended Abdul Malik, the suspected mastermind of the violence that erupted in Haldwani on Thursday in which five people were killed and dozens injured.
"He was traced to the national capital and nabbed by us with assistance from Delhi police. He will be brought to Uttarakhand after completing the required documentation," said an officer who did not wish to be named.
Cops said Malik, the owner of Malik Ka Bagicha, the spot around which the violence had erupted, built the "illegal" madrassa and mosque on the Nazul land in Banphoolpura. Malik's unnamed son and SP functionary Matin Siddiqui's brother Javed Siddiqui have also been arrested.
"Police had detained over 60 people, including Malik's son, for questioning due to their suspected involvement in the violence. Based on questioning, he was apprehended," the officer added.
Police Headquarters spokesperson Nilesh Anand Bharne said investigation is on to identify others involved in the violence. "Five persons have been arrested, and over 60 detained. Probe continues to identify more involved and we are expecting further arrests in the coming days," said Bharne.
The Nainital district administration has deployed a large number of police forces in Haldwani's Banbhoolpura area after the violence that broke out on February 8 following an anti-encroachment drive. To keep the situation under control the entire area has been divided into five super zones supervised by seven magistrates.
Lifting the suspension of internet services, police warned of stringent action against miscreants who try to disrupt communal harmony by posting provocative photos and comments on social media.
Meanwhile, Maulana Mahmood Madani, president of one of the two factions of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, has written to home minister Amit Shah expressing concern over the situation in Haldwani. Madani questioned “the haste in the demolition and urged attention towards finding a lasting solution to the issue, especially when it