Haldwani – Tension escalated in Haldwani on Sunday night after cow remains were found near a temple on Bareilly Road, triggering panic, protests, shutter-downs and stone-pelting incidents. The situation remained tense for nearly four hours before CCTV footage revealed that a stray dog had carried and dropped the remains at the spot, preventing the situation from turning into a major communal clash.
According to local sources, around 7:30 PM residents spotted cow remains near the temple area, which quickly spread as a sensitive message across nearby localities. Within minutes, a crowd gathered, raising slogans and demanding immediate action. Multiple police teams, including officials from nearby police stations, reached the location and called the forensic unit for sample collection and verification.
As the crowd grew, several shopkeepers shut their shutters in panic, fearing escalation. Stone-pelting was reported near the Shama Deluxe Restaurant, causing broken window glass and chaos among customers inside. In another instance, an agitated group damaged a car parked nearby. Police used mild force to disperse the crowd and detained a few individuals to control the situation.
Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht reached the spot and intervened through discussions with youth and locals, appealing for peace and patience. Meanwhile, police accessed CCTV footage from a nearby residence, which confirmed that the remains were brought by a stray dog and not placed intentionally by any individual or group, immediately defusing the most sensitive angle of public suspicion.
Police teams later conducted a flag march in affected areas and deployed PAC units to prevent any further disturbance. Senior officials stated that strict action will be taken against those attempting to spread communal tension or misinformation, either online or offline.
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Several past incidents involving similar misunderstandings have been recorded in Haldwani, reflecting a pattern of rapidly escalating social tension on sensitive issues. Police appealed to the public to remain calm, verify information before reacting, and avoid forwarding unverified messages.
