PANCHKULA (HARYANA): A special CBI court here on Friday afternoon 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.
Haryana Police and para-military forces tried to evict more than 1.5 lakh Dera followers gathered at various places in Panchkula through the intervening night of Thursday and Friday but were unsuccessful. Violence broke out, as expected after the verdict was announced, and there has been a complete breakdown of law and order.
Haryana Director General of Police BS Sandhu said that 20 columns of the Army had been requisitioned and they had staged a flag march today morning.
History of cases and controversies against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh
12:50 AM UK and Canada have asked their citizens travelling to India to exercise a high degree of caution following widespread violence after the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case. (READ HERE)
12:40 AM According to latest information, 30 persons have lost their lives and 250 are injured in the violence.
12:39 AM DCP of Panchkula Ashok Kumar for reportedly not implementing Section 144.
11:41 PM Deputy Superintendent of Police Panchkula suspended: TV reports
Under fire over the handling of the situation arising out of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today admitted that there were lapses but asserted appropriate action was being taken. (READ HERE)
11:30 PM The Centre tonight asked the Haryana government to provide adequate security to the CBI special court judge who convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, officials said. (READ HERE)
All the 120 trains of Ambala division were stopped where they were to check the sneak –in by the Dera supporters who could foment trouble in UP as well. (FULL REPORT BY TNIE'S NAMITA BAJPAI)
10:42 PM Section 144 imposed in Uttarakhand's Nainital. (ANI)
10:35 PM Baghpat District Magistrate in Western UP directs all schools in the region to remain closed tomorrow. (ANI)
DTC suspends its inter-state as well as Delhi-Lahore bus services following violence after conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief. - PTI
10:28 PM Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM Modi, requesting to ensure the safety of people of Kerala in violence affected areas. (ANI)
10:23 PM We used tear gas, lathi charge, pellet bullets and fired on them (protesters) where arson was reported. Three rifles, pistols, cartridges, narcotics recovered from 65 cars of Dera people during checking: BS Sandhu, DGP Haryana. - ANI (READ HERE)
10:19 PM It would have been very difficult to take Ram Rahim Singh to Ambala jail as Dera followers were there on the way. As a strategy, we didn't take him to Ambala but Rohtak's Sunaria jail where he is present right now: BS Sandhu, DGP Haryana (ANI)
10:16 PM: The Maharashtra police have been put on alert with followers of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh going on the rampage in Haryana after his conviction in a rape case today. (READ HERE)
10:10 PM Delhi Transport Corporation has suspended bus services to NCR due to incidents of arson. - ANI (READ HERE)
10:06 PM Panchkula is completely peaceful at the moment, flag marches conducted: DGP Haryana, BS Sandhu (ANI)
9:47 PM Dera Sacha Sauda followers tried creating mischief, case has been registered. We have CCTV footage, probe underway: Madhur Verma, Delhi Police
9:42 PM No major incident took place in Delhi today, 5 arrested for involvement in small incidents. Will keep close watch tomorrow also: Delhi Police
While blaming the Khattar government for the violence in state, Amarinder Singh apprised Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh of the situation in Punjab. The Punjab CM spoke to Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitely to update him on the law and order in the state, along with briefing AICC president Sonia Gandhi on the situation in the state and the steps taken by his government to
maintain peace and tranquility in the state.
9:05 PM Vehicles burnt, media OB vans torched; action will be taken against those who took law in their hands. Haryana Government had made complete arrangements; the mob was really huge: Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana CM
9:02 PM Taking preventive measures, Chandigarh Police detains 81 people confirms Chandigarh DGP Tejinder Singh Luthra
9:00 PM Six private commandos of Ram Rahim Singh arrested by Chandigarh Police, weapons and petrol cans seized from them.
The picture below with Haryana CM M L Khattar and the now convicted Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been making rounds on the social media.
8:50 PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi breaks his silence hours after the violence broke in Haryana, Punjab and Delhi. (READ HERE)
8:45 PM 30 dead, 250 injured in violence in Haryana. (PTI)
8:38 PM 29 people have lost their lives, and 200 are injured. Directed doctors for best possible treatment: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar.
8:35 PM Curfew imposed in Punjab's Patiala. (ANI)
The Punjab government has arranged for more than 200 PRTC buses to be made available to the Dera supporters to escort them out of Panchkula in a regulated manner.
8:34 PM The Army was staging flag march in the curfew-bound areas of Punjab. (READ HERE)
8:33 PM Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi while condemning rampage and lawlessness in Haryana and appealing people to restore peace and tranquility, said that violence and brutality have no place in our society.
8:32 PM Ghaziabad District Magistrate directs all schools in the region to remain closed tomorrow.
8:31 PM Police says Delhi's north and central districts not under the prohibitory order.
8:30 PM Section 144 CrPC imposed in 11 districts of Delhi including New Delhi. To be in effect till September 8th. Maintain peace, people are requested to cooperate: Delhi Police. (ANI)
8:25 PM Passengers stranded at Bathinda railway station due to curfew imposed.
8:20 PM As cities burn, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj says one person alleging sexual exploitation but crores stand with him today, why those crores of ppl are not being heard? If even bigger incidents take place, the court will also be responsible not just Dera people, the MP further adds.
Some ministers of Manohar Lal Khattar government have been on amicable terms with Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the past, reports NDTV.
8:10 PM Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh lodged in a make-shift jail at police training centre in Rohtak.
7:55 PM Curfew imposed in Punjab's Sangrur and Moga districts. In Bathinda, heavy security in place with Rapid Action Force troops (RAF) deployed. (ANI)
7:45 PM Meanwhile, sources from Ministry of Home Affairs have said that a high-level meeting called at Union minister Rajnath Singh's residence tomorrow. Home Secretary and other senior officials will also be present. Singh reportedly cut short his visit to Kyrgyzstan by three hours and rushed to the national capital talked to the CMs of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi.
(ANI and ENS)
7:35 PM: We'll not let anybody disturb our law & order. We are assessing situation & all points to city are completely sealed: IGP AS Dhillon of Sirsa (ANI)
7:25 PM: Sonia Gandhi spoke with Punjab CM Amarinder Singh over violence post Ram Rahim Singh's conviction in rape case. (ANI)
7:20 PM: All trains going towards Rohtak cancelled for tomorrow: Neeraj Sharma, CPRO, Northern Railway to ANI
7:15 PM Officials say 28 dead, 250 injured in Panchkula violence. (PTI)
7:10 PM All officers posted at Delhi Metro stations have been alerted. Vigil stepped up along UP and Haryana borders: DG CISF OP Singh (READ HERE)
7:05 PM Section 144 is imposed in Noida and Ghaziabad following violence by Dera Sacha Sauda followers. (ANI)
Rajasthan: Dera supporters set power sub-station office on fire in Sriganganagar,vehicle at sub-station premises also torched #RamRahimSingh pic.twitter.com/96GMb8suy3
7:00 PM State government will compensate for the losses of Media personnel & the properties of others. The protesters have been identified. We have the video footage and strict action will be taken against them. Most of the protesters are ousted from the city, says Ram Niwas, the additional chief secretary to Haryana Government tells ANI.
6:55 PM Dera Sacha Sauda describes verdict against GurmeetRamRahim as "unjust", says it would appeal against it. (READ HERE)
6.50 PM Three miscreants have been arrested, patrolling is being done in different areas: Madhur Verma, Delhi Police PRO
6.45 PM Punjab Govt has asked Central Govt for more security forces in view of violence at different places.
6.40 PM There are no gatherings anywhere at present. Situation is under control after few incidents: Madhur Verma, Delhi Police PRO
6.35 PM Section 144 imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat, in view of violent protests in Punjab and Haryana (READ HERE)
6.32 PM Delhi L-G Anil Baijal directs police commissioner to take effective measures to ensure protection of life, property
6.31 PM Army called out in Haryana's Sirsa to control Dera Sacha Sauda followers, says Superintendent of Police
6.30 PM Death toll in Panchkula violence rises to 17: Haryana govt official (PTI)
6.29 PM Have talked to Haryana DGP, he says situation is being brought under control gradually: Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi
6.27 PM No one is above law. Appeal people to not believe in rumours & steer clear of people with criminal intentions: Haryana CM ML Khattar
6.25 PM Action will be taken against those taking law in their hands, appeal everyone to remain cautious: Haryana CM ML Khattar
6.20 PM 1000 Dera Sacha Sauda followers have been detained, says Haryana's ADGP (Law & Order) Muhammad Akil
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6.15 PM Haryana: Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Ram Rahim Singh presently at Rohtak's Police Training College in Sunaria; was brought in a helicopter
6.10 PM Situation is now under control, protesters have been dispersed: Haryana DGP BS Sandhu
6.05 PM
6.00 PM Senior Government officials in Panchkula should be given security by paramilitary forces says Punjab and Haryana High Court
5.55 PM Punjab and Haryana High Court says properties of Ram Rahim Singh should be attached to pay for the losses due to violence. (FULL REPORT)
5.50 PM Security at Delhi BJP HQ increased post violence at various places after Ram Rahim Singh's conviction
5.45 PM Security in and around Civil Hospital in Sector 6 Panchkula also increased
5.40 PM
5.37 PM Death toll in Panchkula violence rises to 12, says CMO civil hospital
5.36 PM Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urges people to maintain peace after violence in Haryana, Punjab following conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim
5.35 PM Home Minister Rajnath Singh appeals to everyone particularly Dera Sacha Sauda supporters to maintain peace
5.34 PM Income Tax office in Punjab's Mansa set alight by Dera protesters post rape conviction of Ram Rahim Singh, vehicles in the premises torched
5.32 PM
5.30 PM
5.28 PM Two empty rakes of Rewa Express at Anand Vihar Terminal railway station set on fire: Northern Railway Spox Neeraj Sharma
5.27 PM Violence has been reported in Delhi, where a bus is set on fire.
5.22 PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh have been briefed about the situation
5.20 PM Security tightened at railway stations in Delhi post-rape conviction of Dera Chief Ram Rahim Singh: Northern Railway Spox Neeraj Sharma
5.15 PM Army columns moved in Haryana's Sirsa for quick reaction, as violent protests continue post-rape conviction of Dera Chief (ANI)
5.12 PM Briefed Rajnath ji. Situation being monitoring extensively, strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt peace: Haryana CM
5.08 PM At least 70 people injured in violent protests in Panchkula, admitted in Sector 6 General Hospital (ANI)
5.05 PM 10 dead in Panchkula after clashes broke out between Dera supporters and police
Five-star hotel Holiday inn in Panchkula sector 3 set on fire
Income Tax office in sector 2 and a petrol pump in sector four vandalised in Panchkula.
5.00 PM 6 army columns have been deployed in Panchkula to contain the violence that has erupted after Gurmeet Ram Rahim was pronounced guilty. (ANI)
4.55 PM Central Industrial Security Force personnel deployed within one km radius of Sunariya Jail in Haryana's Rohtak.
4.50 PM Police use tear gas shells, water cannons to disperse Gurmeet Ram Raheem followers near Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa. (PTI)
4.40 PM Our reporter Harpreet Bajwa confirms that 5 people have been killed in the violence that followed the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim. They have succumbed to gunshot injuries.
4.32 PM Panchkula, where the conviction of Ram Rahim was pronounced, has become a battleground with TV reports saying at least three have been killed in incidents of violence.
Curfew has been imposed in Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa.
4.30 PM Alert sounded in adjoining districts to ensure no spillover of trouble in UP through strict check on borders: ADG Law&Order
Heavy force has been deployed in Sirsa as crowds turn violent, Rapid Action Force has reached Haryana
4.25 PM Security put on high alert on Delhi borders after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim is found guilty of rape. (ANI)
4.15 PM 10 injured in violent protests, shifted to a hospital in Sector 6 Panchkula (ANI)
4.10 PM Multiple TV reports say protesters have attacked media vans with rods and sticks. A fire engine has also been set on fire.
4.00 PM Three OB Vans set alight by protesters in Panchkula. (ANI)
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3.55 PM Malout Railway Station and a petrol pump set on fire by protesters in Punjab post-Ram Rahim Verdict, similar incidents also reported in Bathinda. (ANI)
3.45 PM I appeal to all Punjabis to maintain peace & harmony in state. Won't allow anyone to disturb peace & tranquillity: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh (ANI)
3.40 PM Police resort to Tear Gas and lathi-charge in Sector 5 Panchkula as crowds turn violent. Live bullets fired in the air to disperse crowds. (ANI)
3.30 PM TV reports say that incidents of violence are taking place near the Panchkula court. OB vans of some media channels have been vandalised.
3.10 PM Ram Rahim Singh has been taken into custody by Haryana Police.(ANI)
3.00 PM Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh convicted of rape, Quantum of the sentence to be pronounced on August 28, reports Harpreet Bajwa of TNIE.
2.50 PM Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape case verdict to be undisclosed for about 45 minutes by special CBI court
2.30 PM Special CBI court begins hearing in Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rape case.
2.20 PM Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar says whatever the verdict is, it will be implemented. The government is ready to deal with any circumstances and security arrangements are in place. Khattar also appealed to people, especially Dera followers to remain calm. (ANI)
1.45 PM Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh reaches special CBI court.
1.40 PM Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh arrives in Panchkula to appear before a special CBI court in a sexual exploitation case against him.(PTI)
1.35 PM
1.30 PM The cavalcade of Dera chief crosses Ambala about to enter Panchkula in few minutes
12.40 PM Punjab and Haryana High Court ask Haryana government to use force if needed, file FIR against leaders if they make provocative statements
12.35 PM All the Dera followers campaigning in Panchkula have been told to move to Sectors 3 and 5 and Hafed building.
No unauthorised vehicles accompanying the cavalcade of Ram Rahim will be allowed to enter Panchkula.
12.25 PM Three vehicles of the Ram Rahim cavalcade collide near Narwana in Haryana. However, there were no injuries.
12.15 PM U.S. Embassy in India issues safety advisory for its citizens (Read more)
12.10 PM Centre takes stock of the law and order situation in Punjab and Haryana ahead of a verdict in Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief rape case.(Read more)
12.05 PM CPI(M) leader SitaramYechury alleges BJP of being 'in cahoots with' Dera chief's cult.
12.00 PM
11.50 AM Asked about reports that there were around 200 vehicles in the Dera chief's cavalcade, Haryana DGP, B S Sandhu says the cavalcade's size will be cut along the way. (Read more)
10.40 AM Railways has cancelled over 200 Haryana-bound trains as security concerns mount ahead of CBI court's verdict in the Dera chief rape case. (Read more)
10.20 AM
10:10 AM Dera followers cry and try to block Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's court-bound convoy in Sirsa. (ANI)
9:30 AM Dera Sacha Souda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh leaves from Sirsa for Panchkula court. It was earlier reported that he would be travelling by chopper but now he has left for the court by road travelling in a convoy of over 100 vehicles.
(with inputs from Agencies and ENS)