Hours after Panchkula was torched by restive supporters of rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim, livid residents of the otherwise peaceful city blamed the BJP-led Haryana government for failing to check massive violence that broke out on Friday.
As supporters of the Dera chief clashed with security forces and ransacked media vans, Panchkula residents trembled with fear and remained indoors. Their cars were burnt, and their shops set on fire as a thick cloud of dark smoke rose from ground zero.
Miffed at the government for failing to take adequate action, some residents even asked for the resignation of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
The Congress, in the interim, has called for President’s rule in Haryana, while adding that the Khattar-led BJP government in the state must be dismissed for failing to maintain law and order.
The Haryana government has now slapped charges of sedition against violent supporters of the Dera chief and has promised strong investigation into the matter.
Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj
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