Dera Chief Found Guilty of Rape by CBI court; Heavy Violence in four States; 32 killed, 350 injured
Chandigarh, 25th Aug: At least 32 people have been killed and more than 350 injured as Panchkula turned into a virtual warzone after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was found guilty of rape by a CBI court on Friday. The followers of the godman have gone on a rampage in three states. The rioters have torched at least two railway stations, a power grid and petrol pumps in Haryana. In Delhi, a train has been set on fire in Anand Vihar and two buses have also been torched. Media persons have also been attacked. The government’s claims of keeping the situation under control have fallen flat. The self-styled godman will be sentenced on Monday. He may face a minimum of 10 years jail sentence since the victim was a minor at the time of the sexual assault.
Heavy security is deployed across Punjab and Haryana. New Delhi along with several cities across the two states remain on high alert. Several media persons injured and the channels Broadcast or OB vans set ablage by the violent Dera supporters. Army is on stand by in the state. Lakhs of Dera followers have gathered in towns across the states with Panchkula, Sirsa, Bhatinda emerging as major flash points. Two train stations were set on fire in Punjab in the towns of Malout and Balluanna. Government offices in Panchkula and Chandigarh closed along with schools and colleges today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening expressed disappointment over the turn of events in Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim was convicted in a rape case filed in 2002. “The instances of violence today are deeply distressing. I strongly condemn the violence and urge everyone to maintain peace.” he said. Prime Minister said that, the law and order situation in Haryana was being closely monitored. “I reviewed the situation with the NSA & Home Secretary.”
“Urged officials to work round the clock to restore normalcy and provide all possible assistance that is required.”
The Punjab and Haryana High court has directed the Police to register an FIR against anyone, including politicians, trying to interfere with the enforcement of the law. “In case of failure on part of the police officer to register an FIR, similar action would be called against him. No politician, leader, social worker, spiritual leader, religious leader or any such organisation shall make any provocative speech or statement which may have a tendency to affect public order”
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