Here are the live updates of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape verdict:
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 BJP Lawmaker Sakshi Maharaj Says Ram Rahim Being 'Harassed', Attacks Court](https://i.ndtvimg.com/i/2017-01/sakshi-maharaj_650x400_51483782756.jpg)
DTC spokesperson Sanjay Saxena said the Delhi-Lahore bus
services remained suspended today as well.
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50-year-old Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh convicted in rape case.
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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 'Deeply Distressing,' Says PM Modi After Violence Over Ram Rahim Verdict](https://i.ndtvimg.com/i/2017-08/narendra-modi_650x400_81503572708.jpg)
Vehicles burnt, media OB vans torched; action will be taken against those who took law in their hands: Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana CM pic.twitter.com/LxYBUGsps5
- ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2017
The law & order situation is being closely monitored. I reviewed the situation with the NSA & Home Secretary.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2017
The instances of violence today are deeply distressing. I strongly condemn the violence & urge everyone to maintain peace.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2017
Urged officials to work round the clock to restore normalcy and provide all possible assistance that is required.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 25, 2017
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Violence & brutality have no place in our society. Condemn the rampage and lawlessness in Haryana & appeal to restore peace and tranquility
1/Due to Law & Order problem in Punjab & Haryana,Train movement affected in Northern Rly pic.twitter.com/FdEtuL4LxG
- Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) August 25, 2017
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Spoke to Sonia ji and briefed her about the law & order situation in Punjab and assured her that we won't allow anyone to disturb peace.
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) August 25, 2017
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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.
Appeal to all to maintain peace & order. #DelhiPolice on full alert. Strict legal action will be taken against miscreants for any violation.
- CP Delhi (@CPDelhi) August 25, 2017
Almost 250 trains cancelled. All trains going towards Rohtak cancelled for tomorrow: Neeraj Sharma, CPRO, Northern Railway #RamRahimVerdict pic.twitter.com/KDaPCLaE5q
- ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2017
Violence and damage to public property after court verdict is highly condemnable; appeal to all citizens to maintain peace #PresidentKovind
- President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 25, 2017
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Rajasthan: Dera supporters set power sub-station office on fire in Sriganganagar,vehicle at sub-station premises also torched #RamRahimSingh pic.twitter.com/96GMb8suy3
- ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2017
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.
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All Delhi Metro stations alerted. Vigil intensified at stations along Uttar Pradesh and Haryana borders: CISF DG O P Singh
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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.
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All SHOs , ACsP , DCsP and Jt CPs are patrolling the area to prevent any kind incident which may arise due to Ram Rahim followers in Delhi
- SBK Singh Spl CP L&O (@splcpnorthdelpo) August 25, 2017
All trains from Delhi to Rohtak will remain cancelled due to law and order situation in Haryana: Northern Railway
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.
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#Visuals Security at Delhi BJP HQ increased post violence at various places after #RamRahimSingh's conviction. pic.twitter.com/tMiJeHO8it
- ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2017
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.
#RamRahimVerdict | As #Panchkula brought to knees by #RamRahimSingh sect, army called in
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 25, 2017
Read more here: https://t.co/Njki0SupiF pic.twitter.com/5frGmEKCM2