Haldwani, Uttrakhand-The recent communal clashes in Banbhoolpura and nearby areas have left five people dead, including a father and son who were shot while looking for each other. The violence erupted on Thursday, when a demolition drive at a mosque and a madrasa sparked protests and riots.
The district administration has identified the deceased as Faheem Qureshi (30), Zahid Hussain (45), his son Mohammad Anas (16), Mohammad Shaban (22), all residents of Haldwani, and Prakash Kumar Singh (24), a migrant worker from Bihar.
Mohammad Aman, the brother of Anas, told The Indian Express that he and his father were working at a construction site when the violence broke out. He returned home, but his father stayed back to finish some work. He later called Anas, who was outside, to come back home. He also went out to help a friend who was stuck in the market. Anas followed him, but they got separated.
Aman said he found his father lying on the street with a bullet wound in his chest near a dairy. He took him to a local clinic, where he saw Anas already admitted with a bullet injury below his waist. He said the doctors advised him to take them to a hospital, but he could not arrange any transport. They both died shortly after. He said they buried them on Friday night with the permission of the authorities, and only five family members were allowed to attend the funeral.
Javed, a cousin of Faheem Qureshi, said he was killed by his neighbours who set his vehicle on fire. He said Faheem went out to confront them and was shot in the chest. He said they rushed him to the hospital, where he was declared dead. He said Faheem is survived by his mother, wife, and two young children.
Gauhar, a hawker in the Banbhoolpura area, said his son Aris (18) also died in the violence, but his name was not in the official list as they took him to a hospital in Bareilly. He said Aris was working at a garment shop and did not return home after he called him. He said he found him injured at a crossroad and took him to Bareilly, but he died on the way. He said they buried him in Badaun. He said Aris was his elder son and his whole world.
The district officials said they are investigating the circumstances of the deaths and the causes of the violence. They said the situation is under control and security has been beefed up in the area. They said the internet services have been suspended and curfew has been imposed to prevent any further escalation.
