Violence and mayhem unleashed by rape convict Ram Rahim's followers in Haryana, Punjab, Delhi

A special CBI court today convicted Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, in a verdict pronounced amid unprecedented security cover, over 15 years after an anonymous sexual exploitation complaint was registered against him. The quantum of sentence, which could range from seven years to a life term, will be pronounced on August 28. The Dera chief has been taken into custody.

Panchkula Supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect attack a member of the media in Panchkula on Friday. (Photo | PTI) 

Vehicles burn in the violence unleashed by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's followers after he was convicted in a rape case in Panchkula on Friday. (Photo | PTI)

A Dera Sacha Sauda sect supporter braves a water cannon used by security forces to disperse violent supporters near a court in Panchkula. (Photo | AP)

A policeman seen putting on a bullet proof vest as he joined others on a road leading to the court in Panchkula ahead of the verdict being pronounced. (Photo | AP)

Smoke billows after supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect set vehicles on fire in Panchkula. (Photo | AP)

Dera Sacha Sauda sect members overturn an broadcast van of a TV news channel on the streets of Panchkula. (Photo | AP)

People stand near vandalised train coaches in New Delhi. Mobs rampaged across Panchkula on Friday after the court verdict. (Photo | AP)

Supporters, with their back towards the camera, try to calm other supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect near the court in Panchkula after the verdict. (Photo | AP)

A man, presumably dead, lies on a road in a pool of blood after Dera Sacha Sauda sect members went on a rampage in Panchkula. (Photo | AP)

Security personnel walk past a vehicle burnt in the violence that followed Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction by a CBI court in Panchkula on Friday. (Photo | PTI)