On February 8, 2024, Haldwani in Uttarakhand witnessed a violent clash between police and local residents. A curfew was imposed, internet services were shut down, and shoot-at-sight orders were issued. By the end of the day, six people were dead and dozens – including civilians and police personnel – injured.

The dead included 22-year-old Shaban, 43-year-old Zahid and his 17-year-old son Anas, 53-year-old Mohammad Israr, Faheem Qureshi, and Prakash Kumar Singh from Bihar.

Post-mortem reports made one fact clear: all six died of bullet injuries. What remains unclear, even after nearly 20 months, is whose bullets killed them.

The families of the deceased allege that the police fired the shots. The police deny it. Four of the families – of Faheem, Zahid, Anas, and Israr – have petitioned the Nainital High Court, seeking registration of FIRs, an independent probe, and compensation from the state.

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