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7 years ago
Chandigarh: Violent clashes across Punjab and Haryana have followed Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh conviction for raping two women followers in 2002. The self-styled godman will be sentenced on Monday. Heavy security is deployed across Punjab and Haryana. New Delhi along with several cities across the two states remain on high alert. An NDTV engineer was injured after violent Dera supporters attacked the channels Broadcast or OB van. 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. Ram Rahim has denied that he sexually exploited two female followers in 2002.
 

Here are the live updates of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape verdict:

 
Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district in the wake of widespread violence in Haryana.
BJP Lawmaker Sakshi Maharaj Says Ram Rahim Being 'Harassed', Attacks Court
Self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, held guilty of raping two women followers by a court in Haryana's Panchkula today, found strong support in BJP lawmaker Sakshi Maharaj, who said the chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect is being "harassed."

BJP Lawmaker Sakshi Maharaj Says Ram Rahim Being 'Harassed', Attacks Court

DTC spokesperson Sanjay Saxena said the Delhi-Lahore bus
services remained suspended today as well.

Curfew imposed in Sangrur, Punjab. Security stepped up after violent protests by Dera followers post.


Baghpat District Magistrate directs all schools in the region to remain closed tomorrow: news agency ANI
Section 144 imposed in Uttarakhand's Nainital, says news agency ANI
At least 12 fuel stations near the Haryana border in Delhi have been shut down as a preemptive measure following violence in the neighbouring state, a Delhi Petrol Pump Association official said.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited Civil Hospital in Panchkula to meet those injured in violent protests.




Delhi Transport Corporation has suspended bus services to NCR due to incidents of arson.

50-year-old Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh convicted in rape case.

'Deeply Distressing,' Says PM Modi After Violence Over Ram Rahim Verdict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned this evening's massive violence in Haryana in strong terms and asked the people to keep the peace.

'Deeply Distressing,' Says PM Modi After Violence Over Ram Rahim Verdict
Rakesh Kumar, a reporter with PTC News received injuries in attacks allegedly by followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief while the video journalist Shipendar Happy accompanying him has gone missing after the assault.

PM Narendra Modi tweeted on the violence in Panchkula:
30 dead, 250 injured in violence in Haryana after Ram Rahim Singh verdict, reports news agency PTI


Curfew has been imposed in Patiala, Punjab: news agency ANI.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi condemned about the violence on twitter. He tweeted:

Violence & brutality have no place in our society. Condemn the rampage and lawlessness in Haryana & appeal to restore peace and tranquility
Section 144 CrPC imposed in 11 districts of Delhi till September 8 including New Delhi. Maintain peace,people are requested to cooperate: Delhi Police

Army's flag march in Sirsa, Haryana.

Heavy security in place; Rapid Action force is deployed in Bathinda, reports news agency ANI

High level meeting called at Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence tomorrow. Home Secretary and others senior officials will also be present: Ministry of Home Affairs Sources
Army moving to Mansa from Bhatinda. Mansa, that is under curfew, has been hit with violence by Dera followers. Earlier in the day income tax office and two cars were set on fire in the town.




3 people have been arrested today in connection with arson in Delhi after the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, reports Press Trust of India
Sonia Gandhi spoke to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh over the violence post Ram Rahim Singh's conviction.
Despite intel warnings and logistical help, sufficient action wasn’t taken: Source

Intelligence sources reveal that they had earlier informed the Haryana police that "things might go out of hand" That is why so many companies were given to the state. But even then, situation got out of control.



President appeals to citizens to maintain peace

JUST IN Officials say 28 dead, 250 injured in Panchkula violence, reports news agency PTI



Here's what Ram Rahim's birthplace, Sriganganagar looks like

Prohibitory orders imposed in Noida and Ghaziabad as a preventive measure, amid cases of arson after the Ram Rahim verdict. Shamli, Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat are other towns were the orders have been imposed.
Wondering who the man in the eye of the storm is? Read on
A music video - Love Charger - got self-declared spiritual leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh international prime time. The sect claims 50 million followers and has a matrix of popular centres across Punjab and Haryana towns and villages.

Not just this, Ram Rahim is also considered politically important. After initially siding with the Congress, in 2014, he endorsed the BJP for both the general election and the Haryana state election.



All Delhi Metro stations alerted

All Delhi Metro stations alerted. Vigil intensified at stations along Uttar Pradesh and Haryana borders: CISF DG O P Singh


Meawhile, The Dera sect plans to challenge verdict against Ram Rahim in higher court

In a statement in Hindi, signed by spokesperson Dilawar Insaan, the Dera also appealed for peace amid widespread violence that has already claimed 17 lives after the verdict was pronounced earlier today.

"This is unjust. We will appeal against the judgement," the statement said.

"What has happened with us is something that has happened to gurus through history. Dera Sacha Sauda is dedicated to the betterment of humanity. We request all to maintain peace," the statement further read.
Death toll in Panchkula violence rises to 17: Haryana government official quoted by news agency PTI.



Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar says: "No one is above law." The Chief Minister added, "Anybody who breaks it will be dealt with sternly. I appeal to all of you to maintain peace." 
Delhi- Rohtak trains cancelled

All trains from Delhi to Rohtak will remain cancelled due to law and order situation in Haryana: Northern Railway

JUST IN: Army deployed in Sirsa, intense clashes between Ram Rahim followers and cops


13 Dead, 150 injured as violence worsens in Panchkula

At least 13 people were killed today and about 150 have been injured in violence that erupted in Panchkula after angry supporters of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh went on the ramapage. Incidents of violence have been reported from various places in and around Punjab Haryana. Chief Ministers of all neighbouring states have asked people to maintain calm.



Properties of the Dera will be attached to pay for whatever is vandalised, rules Punjab High Court. Hearing on the same tomorrow.
Vehicle torched in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar, birthplace of Dera chief Ram Rahim
Sriganganagar district collector Gyana Ram said that it was yet to be ascertain whether the incident was in reaction to the conviction of the self-styled godman.

The gang torched the jeep and fled from the spot. The district collector said that the fire was doused by firemen soon.

Security has been stepped up across the district, which is home to a large number of followers of Gurmeet Ram Rahim, in view of the verdict.