Dehradun, India — The Uttarakhand High Court on Monday denied bail to Abdul Malik, whom authorities allege played a pivotal role in the February 2024 riots in Banbhoolpura, Haldwani. Malik will remain in judicial custody as the court has called for a comprehensive report from the state government detailing the charges against him.
In a divided ruling, a bench consisting of Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Pankaj Purohit opted to grant bail to three others charged in connection with the riots, while Malik and former municipal councillor Zeeshan Parvez, known as Sebu, will continue to face legal proceedings from behind bars.
Malik’s defense team contended that he is innocent, asserting that he was not present during the uprising and that he has remained incarcerated since the riots broke out. His attorney emphasized Malik’s status as a senior citizen, declaring that the allegations against him lack substantial evidence.
Conversely, the prosecution strongly refuted the bail request, labeling Malik as the “central figure” in the unrest. The government attorney contended that he orchestrated the confrontations arising from a demolition project intended to remove illegal structures, including a madrasa, which sparked the violence when a mob intervened.
The court’s refusal to grant bail reinforces the severity of the circumstances surrounding the riots, prompting the judges to request a detailed affidavit from the state government outlining each specific charge facing Malik. A hearing regarding the remaining accused is scheduled for two weeks from now.
The riots erupted on February 8, 2024, as government personnel attempted to dismantle illegal encroachments in Banbhoolpura. The situation escalated rapidly when a crowd opposed to the demolitions attacked the officials, resulting in severe clashes that included stone-throwing, arson, and vandalism targeting law enforcement and media representatives. Reports indicate that a police station was set ablaze during the turmoil.
The violence led to five fatalities and nearly 100 injuries, prompting local authorities to impose a curfew in efforts to restore order in the affected area. The incident has drawn widespread attention, raising questions about law enforcement and community relations in a region already marred by tensions. As the judicial process unfolds, the situation remains closely monitored by both legal and community observers.