Haldwani violence an effort to challenge the state machinery: Nainital DM

She added that the demolition drive continued because there was no stay on the assets and a legal process to remove the encroachment was carried out.

While addressing a press conference about violence that erupted over the demolition of an "illegally built" madrasa and an adjoining mosque in Uttarakhand's Haldwani, Vandana Singh (DM Nainital) said the demolished structure was not registered as a religious structure.

"It is an empty property that has two structures, which is not registered as religious structure or has been given any such recognition. Some call the structure a Madrasa," she said, as reported by ANI.

She added that the demolition drive continued because there had been no stay on the assets and a legal process to remove the encroachment was carried out.

Saying that the demolition began peacefully, Vandana Singh added that no action was taken by the police to harm anybody, however, a large mob attacked their municipal cooperation team.

"The police station has been completely damaged by the mob. This is an unfortunate incident. The accused will be identified and strict action will be taken. This (incident) was not communal. I request everybody to not make it communal or sensitive. Any particular community did not retaliate. This was an effort to challenge the state machinery, state govt and the law and order situation. A briefing will be done again in the evening," she added.