Ram Rahim Case: Death Toll Rises to 38, At least 350 Injured
A special CBI court judge on Friday found the Dera chief guilty of raping two women.
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At least 38 people have reportedly died in violence that broke out following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan in a 2002 rape case by the CBI court in Panchkula.
At least 250 people have been injured in the violent clashes, which saw police personnel resorting to tear gas to control the mob. A curfew was imposed in Patiala, Panchkula, Sirsa, Bhatinda, Ferozpur, Sirsa, Mansa, Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat.
- Sedition, attempt to murder charges against 7 Dera Sacha Sauda functionaries
- At least 36 people were killed and 250 others were injured in the violence that erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa
- Haryana HC has slammed the Khattar government for letting “Panchkula burn for political gain”
- Army denied plans to enter Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa
- Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was held guilty of raping two women in 2002
- Quantum of sentence to be pronounced on 28 August
- Judge to be taken to Rohtak jail on Monday for pronouncement of quantum
Sedition, Attempt to Murder Charges Against 7 Dera Sacha Sauda Functionaries
Two key Dera functionaries have been booked for sedition on the basis of a news report, Haryana DGP B S Sandhu said on Sunday, as per a PTI report.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the top cop said the Punjab and Haryana High Court had directed the state police to verify the report carried by a Hindi daily regarding alleged instigation of Dera supporters by its five leaders. He said:
The development comes after sedition and attempt to murder charges were slapped against seven persons, including five Haryana police personnel, who were part of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief's security paraphernalia when he had arrived at Panchkula to appear in a CBI court on 25 August.
The seven security personnel of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had allegedly tried to free him when the self-styled godman was brought outside the Panchkula Court complex on Friday, after the special CBI court convicted him in a 15-year-old rape case, police said.
Death Toll Rises to 38
The death toll has risen from 36 to 38. Of the total, 32 are reported from Panchkula and six in Sirsa. All six deceased people from Sirsa have been identified, said Haryana DGP BS Sandhu.
Haryana DGP Assures Security for Media
Maintaining law and order will be the top priority for the Haryana police on Monday, when the quantum of Ram Rahim Singh's sentence will be announced, state DGP BS Sandhu said.
To ensure there was no repeat of violence that erupted in Panchkula last week, all routes to the Sunaria jail in Rohtak, where the self-styled godman has been lodged, have been sealed.
Mobile Internet Services to Stay Suspended Till Tuesday
Mobile internet services will remain suspended in Haryana and Punjab till Tuesday to prevent spread of rumours in view of the tense situation.
A notification to block mobile Internet services and data services had been issued earlier. Mobile internet services, which were suspended for 72 hours in Haryana, ahead of the court verdict on Friday, will continue to remain suspended till Tuesday, officials said.
PM Condemns Violence by Dera Followers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today slammed the mayhem created by the Dera followers, saying violence in the name of faith won't be tolerated and asserted that the guilty would not be spared.
In his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said everybody will have to bow before the law.
Read highlights from PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat speech here.
Ram Rahim Now Prisoner No 1997
Maverick self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been lodged in Sunaria jail's 'approval cell' in Rohtak.
According to prison officials, the lone approval cell of the jail has a capacity of 12 prisoners, but the Dera head has been kept in "solitary confinement".
The Dera sect head, who is now prisoner number 1997, spent his first night by roaming inside the cell till midnight, they said.
On his arrival from Panchkula, Gurmeet complained of uneasiness, but a medical examination by doctors found him fit.
CCTV Footage Shows a House Vandalised in Panchkula
30 Dera Sacha Sauda Congregation Centers Sealed
More than 30 congregation centres of Dera Sacha Sauda across Haryana were sealed on Saturday, a day after its followers indulged in massive violence in Panchkula and other areas of the state.
Curfew Relaxed in Sirsa From 6 AM to 11 AM
The district administration relaxed the curfew for five hours in and around Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa, after restrictions were imposed on 24 August.
Petrol pumps, shops and other commercial establishments were allowed to open in the area.
On Saturday, several Dera followers made their way out of the sprawling sect premises after police urged them to vacate the place. Around one lakh people, including women and children, were present in the sect headquarters.
552 Arrested in Haryana For Violence
Addressing the press on Saturday, Haryana police chief BS Sandhu said that security has been beefed up in Rohtak jail ahead of the quantum of punishment pronouncement.
- Buses to ply on limited routes to and from Rohtak
- No report of violence in the last 24 hours
- 552 people have been arrested
- 34 cases have been registered in Haryana
- Ploice examining video clips of the violence
Section 144 to Continue in Delhi
The Delhi Police on Saturday said that no incident of violence due to Dera chief verdict was reported in the city. The spokesperson added that imposition of Section 144 will continue until further notice.
Death Toll Rises to 32
One more person was declared dead in Sirsa, taking the total death toll in violent protests in Panchkula to 32.
Panchkula DCP Suspended for 'Defective' Prohibitory Order
The Haryana government on Saturday suspended the DCP of Panchkula over Friday’s violence that erupted following the rape conviction of Ram Rahim.
Vice President Naidu Condemns Attack
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday condemned Dera violence as "unacceptable".
He also said “some people” incited violence in the name of religion, language or region and the challenge to rid the country of discrimination and inequalities remained.
Dera Sacha Condemns Attack on Media
Chairperson of Dera Sacha Sauda Vipssana Insa said that the attack on media is condemnable, and that it was miscreants who entered the peaceful gathering who caused the violence.
Haryana Deputy AG Sacked
Haryana Deputy Attorney General Gurdass Singh Salwara was sacked for carrying Ram Rahim’s luggage, reported News18.
Speaking to News18, Haryana Attorney General Baldev Mahajan confirmed the sacking of the deputy attorney general.
He said that the attorney was once an advocate of Ram Rahim, and when the government came to know that he accompanied Rahim to the court, and further carried his luggage, he was sacked by the government.
Watch: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Addresses Media
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday said that the Haryana government made a mistake by allowing people to concentrate in the region. He said that the security forces, civil services and the people of Punjab should be commended for maintaining law and order situation in the sate.
He added that 39 criminal cases, related to the violence, was registered by the Punjab police.
While he added that he would not like to comment about the situation in Haryana, he said that he would not let “anyone disturb peace in Punjab.”
No case of Bullet Injury: CMO Cvil Hospital
17 casualties have been reported in the Civil Hospital in Panchkula and the postmortem of their bodies is underway.
Judge Might Be Taken to Rohtak Jail
The judge hearing the Ram Rahim rape case might be taken to the Rohtak jail for hearing arguments and pronouncing quantum of the sentence.
Punjab CM Holds High-Level Meeting
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has chaired a high-level meeting over law and order situation in the state.
Visuals of Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram in Hisar
People Injured in Panchkula Not Locals: Haryana Chief Sec
People injured in Panchkula violence on Friday were not local residents, said the Haryana Chief Secretary. He clarified that the identity of deceased was being established.
Punjab Police, Army Conduct Flag March in Punjab's Moga
5 Arrested in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan
Five people were arrested for arson in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan on Saturday as police intensify vigil.
Security Further Beefed up in Western UP
Vigil has been stepped up in western parts of Uttar Pradesh that borders Haryana and security has been further beefed up due to the ongoing operations against rioters involved in violence after arrest of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, police said on Saturday.
Mayawati Demands Khattar's Resignation
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BSP president Mayawati demanded the immediate resignation of Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
'No Plan to Go Inside The Dera': Army
The army too addressed a press conference on the Haryana violence. Congratulating the army, paramilitary forces and the police for working together, Rajpal Punia, GOC, 33 Division Hisar, clarified that the "military is not going inside Dera and there is no such plan as of now".
He also upheld maintaining law and order as the top priority.
Watch: Haryana Chief Secy Addresses Press
The Haryana chief secretary, DS Dhesi, addressed a press conference on the violence that erupted in Panchkula and Sirsa on Friday, asserting that there would be "zero tolerance towards violence" and sedition charges have been be registered against the miscreants, reported CNN-News 18.
The chief secretary also said that Ram Rahim Singh's 'Z plus' security has been withdrawn after his conviction.
BS Sandhu, DGP of Haryana, who was also present at the press conference, asserted that the police "did their best" to tackle the violent situation.
Watch: Congress Lashes Out at Haryana Govt
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi lashed out at Narendra Modi and Amit Shah during a press conference in the aftermath of the violence in Haryana.
Singhvi was quoted by CNN-News18 as saying:
High Court Lashes Out Against Khattar Govt
The Punjab and Haryana High Court lashed out against the Manohar Lal Khattar government for its failure to handle the situation resulting from the Ram Rahim's conviction.
According to News18, the court observed:
Haryana Govt Suspends Panchkula DCP For 'Lapse'
Facing flak over the failure to check violence, the Haryana government on Saturday suspended the deputy commissioner of police of Panchkula, alleging that a "defective" order by him allowed the crowd build-up in the district.
The additional chief secretary added that the prohibitory order issued by the officer only barred carrying of weapons and not a gathering of five or more persons.
An official order said that IPS officer Ashok Kumar, DCP Panchkula, has been put under suspension with immediate effect.
Haryana Govt Orders Search of DSS Centres
According to additional chief secretary (home) Ram Niwas, a search of all 'congregation centres' of Dera Sacha Sauda in the state has been ordered.
The police has sealed the nine congregation centres of the Dera Sacha Sauda in the Kurukshetra district, evicting the followers, and seizing over 2,500 lathis and other sharp-edged weapons during a search operation
After evicting Dera followers, a large number of security personnel have been deployed outside the Dera Sacha Sauda's congregation centres to prevent any untoward incident.
"All the nine naam charcha ghars (congregation centres) in the district have been sealed and entry to these centres has been banned," Kurukshetra SP Abhishek Garg told PTI.
Security Forces Enter DSS Premises in Sirsa
The army, the rapid action force and the police have entered the premises of Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Haryana's Sirsa.
Defiant followers of self- styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh are staying put at the sect headquarters, despite appeals by the Army and authorities to vacate the premises.
Notably, the police have detained 15 Dera Sacha Sauda followers in Sirsa since Friday night.
An estimated one lakh people, including women and children, are present in the sect headquarters. The army and district authorities have been making announcements through loudspeakers, asking those inside to leave the premises.
According to media reports, there were also clashes inside the complex with people opposing the entry of the security forces and pelting stones.
'Grateful to People of Punjab'
Rajnath Singh Reviews Security Situation
Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in north India, particularly Haryana.
Top officials, including Union home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and Intelligence Bureau chief Rajiv Jain, gave detailed presentations about the situation in Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and chiefs of paramilitary personnel were also present at the meeting.
While Panchkula and Sirsa were "very tense", the situation in the rest of the state was "tense but under control", the minister is believed to have been told.
Regarding the meeting, home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi said:
CM Khattar Summoned to New Delhi: Media Reports
According to media reports, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has been summoned to New Delhi by the top leadership of the BJP.
This comes in a context where the Haryana government is facing a huge backlash after large-scale violence in Panchkula and Sirsa. Many have been calling for Khattar's resignation as Chief Minister.
Situation Under Control: Delhi Police
The Delhi police has also asserted that the situation is under control in the capital city, a day after some incidents of rioting were reported from certain areas.
'No Special Treatment Being Given to Ram Rahim in Jail'
A day after Ram Rahim's conviction, KP Singh, Director General (Prisons) in Haryana said that the self-styled godman is "being treated as a normal prisoner" in Sunaria jail.
Death Toll Rises to 31
The death toll owing to the large-scale violence in Haryana has risen to 31, as one person, who was injured in Sirsa on Friday, succumbed to injuries. As of now, 28 people have died in Panchkula, the epicentre of the violence, and three have died in Sirsa.
Meanwhile, the police has asserted that the situation is under control in Sirsa, saying there has been no report of violence since Friday night in the area.
The Army carried out a flag march in the area on Friday night to maintain law and order.
Western Railways Cancels 6 Trains
The Western Railways has cancelled six trains and partially cancelled two others in the wake of the law and order situation in Punjab and Haryana.
UK, Australia Asks Its Citizens Travelling to India to Be on Alert
The UK issued a safety advisory for its citizens travelling to India, saying possibility of further serious violence may be expected after the conviction of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.
Australia too issued a safety advisory for its citizens travelling to India.
Thousands of followers of Ram Rahim, who is the head of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, went on the rampage today, setting fire to vehicles, buildings and railway stations soon after a special CBI court convicted him in a 2002 rape case.
445 Trains Cancelled as Violence Erupts After Dera Verdict
As many as 445 trains have been cancelled due to the law and order situation in Punjab and Haryana as Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted in a rape case, officials said.
"485 train services have been affected (due to the violence). Of these, 445 stood cancelled," Neeraj Sharma, spokesperson, Northern Railway, said.
The Railways said the accumulative figure for cancelled trains on six days, since August 23 till August 28, was at 445.
Malout and Balluanna railway stations in Punjab were partially burnt by angry followers of the Dera chief, officials said.
"Two stations have been affected and we are still getting inputs on the extent of damage. No injuries have been reported so far," Sharma said.
Haryana CM Admits to Lapses
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday admitted lapses in security arrangements following a verdict against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, but later said that no advance action was taken as it could have created bigger problems.
Talking to reporters on Friday evening, after around 30 people were killed in violence following the Dera Sacha Sauda chief being convicted for rape, Khattar, admitting to mistakes, said: "We are identifying the lapses."
However, in an interview to India Today TV later, he said action was not taken in advance as it could have made the situation worse.
DTC Suspends Inter-State, Night and Delhi-Lahore Bus Services
The Delhi Transport Corporation has suspended its inter-state, night and the Delhi-Lahore bus services in wake of the violence after self-style godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim was convicted in a rape case on Friday.
A DTC official said the services have been suspended also because buses were being targeted in arson and violence in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. “The Delhi-Lahore bus service have been suspended because it passes through violence hit Haryana and Punjab,” he said.
DTC spokesperson Sanjay Saxena said the Delhi-Lahore bus services remained suspended on Friday as well. DTC’s night services– wherein around 40 buses are run from 9 PM onwards–have also been suspended, he said.
Centre Asks Haryana Govt to Ensure Security of Judge Who Convicted Dera Chief
The Centre asked the Haryana government to provide adequate security to the CBI special court judge who convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, officials said.
The home ministry told the Haryana government that Judge Jagdeep Singh should be provided highest level of security in view of the threat perception after he delivered the verdict against the Dera head, an official said.
The home ministry will analyse intelligence inputs before deciding whether the Judge's security needs to be handled by a central force, such as the CRPF or CISF, the official said.
DSS Assets May be Attached to Compensate for Damage: HC
The Punjab and Haryana High Court will conduct a special session on 26 August as part of its continuing assessment of the law and order situation relating to the conviction of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim for rape and criminal intimidation.
The court conducted two sessions on 25 August, passing interim orders with the objective of helping direct efforts to maintain peace in Panchkula, the location of the special CBI court which had been hearing the case against the Dera Sacha Sauda leader, and other parts of Punjab and Haryana.
Media organisations incorrectly reported that the High Court had already ordered the attachment of Dera Sacha Sauda properties.
The High Court only pointed out that the organisation’s assets and properties may be attached to compensate for the damage caused by the rioters and protesters if they are found to have been responsible for inciting violence.
Premis Attempt to Set Train Coach on Fire in Ranchi
Attempts were made by Ram Rahim supporters to set a coach on fire at Ranchi railway station.
Section 144 in Nainital
Section 144 has been imposed in Uttarakhand's Nainital.
Panchkula Peaceful at the Moment: Haryana DGP
Haryana police chief BS Sandhu said 550 people have been rounded up and some arms and ammunition recovered after the violence in Panchkula in the wake of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh being convicted in a rape case.
He said curfew, which was clamped in Panchkula in the evening, has been lifted but certain restrictions are still in place.
He said that the godman was taken to Rohtak as it would be difficult to tackle the followers in Ambala.
An Untimely Action Could Worsen the Situation: Khattar
Speaking to India Today, in an interview, Haryana CM, Manohar Lal Khattar said that all possible measures were taken to keep the violence in check.
He said his government appealed to the supporters to not resort to violence.
Watch: Ram Rahim Taken to a Makeshift Jail
Rahul Gandhi Condemn Violence
DTC Suspends All Bus Services
The Delhi Transport Corporation has suspended all bus services to NCR due to incidents of arson following Ram Rahim’s rape conviction.
Smriti Irani Condemns Violence
6 Commandos of Ram Rahim Singh Arrested in Chandigarh
Six private commandos of Ram Rahim Singh were arrested by Chandigarh Police, weapons and petrol cans were also seized from them.
Instances of Violence Deeply Distressing: PM Modi
Ram Rahim's Z Security Withdrawn
Following Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s conviction, Z category security which was earlier provided to him was withdrawn, The Indian Express reported.
30 Reported Dead
30 people have reportedly lost their lives in the violence that erupted after Ram Rahim Singh was convicted of rape.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier confirmed that 29 people lost their lives and 200 were injured. He also visited the injured in the hospital.
Section 144 Imposed in 11 Districts of Delhi
Section 144 has been imposed in 11 districts of Delhi including New Delhi till 8 September.
Ghaziabad District Magistrate directed all schools in the region to remain closed tomorrow. A curfew has been imposed in Sangrur and Moga areas of Punjab.
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj Quick to Defend Pitaji
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj jumped to Gurmeet Singh’s defence. He even called the godman who has been convicted of rape to be a “noble soul”.
Quantum of Punishment Will Take Place Through Video-Conferencing
The hearing for deciding the quantum of punishment to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted in a rape case by a CBI court in Panchkula today, will take place through video-conferencing on August 28.
Was Part of Mob Violence: Dera Follower Tells The Quint
250 Rohtak-Bound Trains Cancels
“Almost 250 trains have been cancelled. All trains going towards Rohtak have been cancelled for tomorrow,” Neeraj Sharma, CPRO, Northern Railway said
People Came With Bullet Injuries: Hospital Authories
PGI hospital PRO Ms Manju Wadwalkar told The Quint that seven dead bodies and 49 injured were brought to the hospital. Without specifying into details, she said that a few people who were brought to the hospital received bullet injuries.
She will confirm cause of death and names of people by 9 pm.
Prez Kovind Appeals for Peace
No One is Above Law: Manohar Lal Khattar
Watch The Quint's Coverage from Ground Zero
Section 144 in Parts of UP
There have been reports of Section 144 being imposed in Noida in light of violence that has followed RamRahimSingh conviction. Additionally, section 144 has been imposed Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat, in view of violent protests in Punjab and Haryana
The SSP of Noida said:
Delhi Metro Station Alerted
Delhi Metro stations have been alerted. Vigil intensified at stations along UP, Haryana borders.
Three Miscreants Arrested
Addressing a press conference, the DGP of Delhi said that three miscreants were arrested. He also said that no gathering were reported anywhere in Delhi.
1000 DSS Supporters Detained
1000 supporters of Dera Sacha Sauda have been detained in Panchkula, Haryana’s ADGP (Law & Order), Muhammad Akil said.
Ram Rahim in Sunaria
Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Ram Rahim Singh has reached Rohtak's Police Training College in Sunaria. He was flown in a helicopter.
Punjab & Haryana Govts to Submit Reports to HC
Punjab and Haryana governments to submit report to High Court by 11 am on Saturday.
Death Toll Rises to 17
At least 17 people are dead as violence breaks out after Ram Rahim Singh was convicted. Two hundred others were injured in the violence.
However, the Haryana DGP said that the violence is under control. “The situation is now under control, protesters have been dispersed,” ANI quoted Haryana DGP BS Sandhu as saying.
DSS Spokesperson Appeals for Peace
The spokesperson of Dera Sacha Sauda, Dilawar Insan appealed to the DSS supporters to maintain peace.
Security Heightened in Delhi
Security at Delhi BJP HQ increased post violence at various places after Ram Rahim Singh's conviction.
Two Buses Torched in Delhi
Violence has been reported in Delhi as two buses were set ablaze on Mandoli flyover in Delhi's Nand Nagri.
Watch: Violence Breaks Down At Loni Road
Three Cases of Self Immolation
Three death in Panchkula are cases of self-immolation, Haryana CM’s OSD, Bhupeshwar Dayal confirmed to The Quint.
WATCH: Media Van Being Toppled in Panchkula
Violence Spreads into Delhi
Two coaches of Reva Express has been set afire at Anand Vihar Railway Station in Delhi, Northern Railway Spokesperson Neeraj Sharma said. A DTC bus was also set ablaze in Ghaziabad's Loni district.
Security tightened at railway stations in Delhi post rape conviction of Dera Chief Ram rahim Singh, said Neeraj Sharma, Northern Railway to NewsX.
Kejriwal Urges People to Stay Calm
Curfew in Parts of Haryana and Punjab
A curfew has been imposed in Patiala, Panchkula, Sirsa, Bhatinda, Ferozpur, Sirsa and Mansa, following the conviction of Dera Sacha chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
HM Monitoring the Situation
Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he was monitoring the situation on ground closely. He reportedly reached North Block straight on arrival from Kyrgyzstan. He told The Hindu that he has asked the concerned agencies to keep a watch.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that strict action will be taken on those trying to disrupt peace.
Panchkula Set Ablaze as Dera Supporters Run Amok
6 Army Columns Deployed in Panchkula
6 Army columns deployed in Panchkula post conviction of Dera Chief Ram Rahim Singh.
A total of 50 companies of Security forces have been deployed in Panchkula and Chandigarh. Of them, 30 companies belong to CRPF.
Capt Amarinder Briefs Rajnath Singh
Home secretary Rajiv Maharishi and the IB chief are meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to brief him about the escalating violence in Panchkula, sources told The Quint.
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh briefed Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the situation in Punjab and Haryana.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar is currently holding a meeting with top officials.
CISF Force Deployed Around Rohtak Jail
Central Industrial Security Force personnel have been deployed within one km radius of Rohtak's Sunariya Jail.
11 Reportedly Dead
At least 11 people were dead, as per a CNN News18 report. PTI has confirmed the death of five people in Panchkula.
Delhi on High Alert
Delhi borders have been alerted as Dera supporters went on a rampage in Haryana. Uttar Pradesh has sealed its border with Haryana.
Watch: Dera Sacha Supporters Speak to The Quint
10 Injured in Panchkula
10 people were injured in violent protests and shifted to a hospital in Sector 6 Panchkula.
Three Dera Supporters Reportedly Dead
Three Dera supporters died in the violence that erupted in the aftermath of the Ram Rahim verdict, India Today reported. The supporters set a two-wheeler belonging to a Hindustan Times journalist on fire. They were also seen attacking a car belonging to India Today journalists, leaving the cameraman injured.
Railway Station, Petrol Pump Set on Fire
Malout Railway Station and petrol pump have been reportedly set on fire by protesters in Punjab. Similar incidents were also reported in Bathinda.
What Can Ram Rahim Do Now
If Rahim has been convicted only in the rape case, he will face rigorous imprisonment of not less than seven years, and a fine. Since section 376 is a non-bailable offence, there can be no bail for Rahim and he will go to jail. He can now appeal to the Chandigarh court on Monday.
Watch The Quint's Live Coverage from Panchkula
Punjab CM Appeals for Peace
In the midst of chaos, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh appealed to Dera supporters to maintain peace.
Blank Shots Heard
Police resort to using tear gas shells to handle growing mobs in Panchkula, fire blank shots. Three OB vans were attacked by Dera supporters. Water cannons have been fired. The security forces have also resorted to lathi charges.
NDTV’s OB engineer was left bleeding after Dera . News18 crew was also attacked. Republic TV’s OB van was set ablaze.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Held Guilty of Rape
The CBI court in Panchkula has convicted Gurmeet Ram Rahim supporters in the 2002 rape case. The quantum of sentence to be pronounced on August 28.
Tear gas shells has been put on standby. Riot control vehicle have also been readied in the anticipation of a riot-like situation. Moroever, there has been a power cut across Haryana after the verdict got pronounced.
I Appeal to the People to Remain Calm: Haryana CM
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has appealed to the people, especially Dera followers, to remain calm.
Section 144 Imposed in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh
Ahead of the verdict, Section 144 has been imposed in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. Internet services were also suspended in Sri Ganganagar for 48 hours.
Ram Rahim Reaches Court for Rape Trial
Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh reached the Punjab and Haryana Court in Panchkula. According to reports, Singh entered the court premises via a special entrance. Only two cars of his convoy were allowed to enter the premises.
Use Force If Needed: HC Tells Haryana Govt
Punjab and Haryana High Court have directed the Haryana government to “use force if needed”.
While taking stock of the situation, it also asked the state to file FIRs against leaders if they make any provocative statements.
The Quint Reports From Panchkula Ahead of Verdict
Ram Rahim Leaves For Panchkula
Self-styled godman and DSS chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim has left Sirsa, in a 200-car motorcade, for Panchkula, where he is scheduled to appear for his rape trial at 2 pm today.
MSG Appeals to Followers to Go Back
As thousands of Dera followers poured into Panchkula ahead of the verdict, Gurmeet Ram Rahim released a video, asking his followers to go back home.
Ignoring appeals from the administration and their sect head, a large number of followers continued to stay put in Panchkula on Friday giving a tough time to authorities.
Army Arrives in Panchkula
Army columns arrived in Panchkula past midnight as scores of Dera followers gathered in the town ahead of the verdict.
The Haryana Police, assisted by central forces, were involved in an operation to flush out scores of Dera followers even as the sect head made a video appeal to his followers to go back home.
The Army was deployed in Panchkula on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, officials said.
Have Always Obeyed the Law: Ram Rahim
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has confirmed that he will appear in court on Friday for the hearing. I have always obeyed the law, he said, appealing for peace.
Verdict in Sexual Exploitation Case on 25 August
Ahead of the CBI court’s verdict on self-appointed spiritual leader and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a sexual exploitation case on 25 August, the states of Haryana and Punjab have been put on high alert.
(With inputs from PTI)
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