A severed cow head found near the Ujaleshwar Temple in Haldwani’s Ujala Nagar area late on Sunday night triggered tension, leading to protests, vandalism and a police lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The incident came to light shortly after 10pm on November 16, when local residents noticed the head lying close to the temple steps.
Police officials said the discovery immediately sparked outrage, with groups of residents gathering at the spot and demanding swift action. Tempers escalated as the crowd moved towards the main Bareilly Road, where several shops were forcibly shut and vandalised. Stones were also thrown at a few establishments as the situation worsened.
Senior officials said police teams reached the location within minutes to control the crowd. “Officers repeatedly appealed for calm, but a section of the mob turned violent,” a police spokesperson said. “In order to restore order, we were compelled to use mild force.”
Superintendent of Police (Crime) Dr Jagdish Chandra said preliminary findings indicate there may not be a deliberate attempt to incite communal tension. “Early CCTV analysis suggests that a stray dog may have dragged the head to the location,” he said. “However, we are investigating all possibilities, including mischief with the intention to disturb peace.”
He added that forensic samples have been collected and the police are tracing the origin of the remains. “Anyone who tries to provoke or mislead the community will face strict legal action,” the SP said.
Residents described the incident as deeply disturbing. A shopkeeper in Ujala Nagar, requesting anonymity, said, “Such incidents hurt the emotions of the community. We expect the administration to find the truth quickly.”
Following the unrest, additional police forces were deployed through the night across sensitive pockets of Haldwani, including Pilekothi, Ujala Nagar and portions of Bareilly Road. Authorities also conducted a late-night flag march to reassure residents.
District officials urged citizens not to fall for rumours circulating on social media. They also appealed for restraint and communal harmony. The administration said that surveillance has been stepped up and more CCTV footage is being reviewed to establish a clear sequence of events.
Shops in some parts of the city remained closed on Sunday morning as a precautionary measure. Police said the situation is now under control and the area is being monitored closely.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
