Sirsa, Haryana: There was no report of violence since last night in Sirsa in Haryana, which houses the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters, Police said, asserting that the situation is under control in the district. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Panchkula, Ashok Kumar, has been suspended.

At least 30 people were killed and 250 injured in widespread violence, arson and Police firing in Haryana yesterday, triggered by the conviction of the 50-year-old flamboyant Chief of Dera Sacha Sauda Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a sexual exploitation case.

While 28 people were killed in Panchkula, the epicentre of the violence, two died in Sirsa. “The law and order situation is under control as there has been no report of violence since last night,” said a Senior Police officer. Last night, Army carried out a Flag March in the area to maintain law & order. Normal life has come to a standstill due to curfew-like restrictions imposed by the authorities to prevent any untoward incident. Social media networks and internet connections have been cut off and over 600 trains that run through Punjab and Haryana have been cancelled.

Large clashes, arson and violence erupted in the town of Panchkula yesterday immediately after spiritual Guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted of raping two women followers in a case dating back to 2002. Ram Rahim will be sentenced on Monday (Aug. 28) and was flown out of Panchkula in a Government helicopter to a guest house in Rohtak and later moved to a special prison cell.

COMPLAINT IN 2002

The rape case was registered on the basis of an anonymous written complaint in 2002 that he had sexually exploited two female followers. On the basis of the report, a case was registered against him in December 2002 by the CBI on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The quantum of sentence against Ram Rahim, who enjoys ‘Z’ category security, will be pronounced on August 28.

The deadly violence will be discussed at a high-level meeting to be Chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today. Haryana Chief Minister M.L. Khattar, who is under fire for mishandling the situation, his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh and top intelligence and security officials, will be part of the meeting.

POLICE REGAIN CONTROL

Two companies of Army and 10 companies of Paramilitary forces have been deployed. Police personnel have asked locals to stay indoors. At 5 pm yesterday, the Army was called in to Panchkula to help regain control after the riots caused by more than 1.5 lakh followers of the Guru. Before that, the Police used tear gas and water cannons to try and disperse mobs of Ram Rahim supporters, but was easily outnumbered near the Court house.

After Panchkula, where the violence subsided by about 7pm with Ram Rahim’s supporters being moved out, the Army was deployed in Sirsa, Ram Rahim’s massive base. Large and intense clashes took place between the Police and members of Dera Sacha Sauda. Several  buildings were set on fire.

MEDIA BROADCAST VANS ATTACKED

In Delhi, a bus and two coaches of an empty train were set on fire. The skyline of Panchkula was covered in thick smoke. Dozens of cars were burnt. At the main hospital in Panchkula, medical staff hurriedly transferred the injured patients from ambulances on to wheelchairs and stretchers.

The media was attacked and two live broadcast vans were set on fire and totally destroyed. The Police was caught on camera retreating as Ram Rahim supporters advanced menacingly. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has indicated the Policemen involved will be punished. The Court has said the many properties of Ram Rahim’s sect will be seized to pay for the massive damages caused to public property.

500 DETAINED

The violence spread quickly after the verdict to other towns including Batinda in Punjab. Two train stations were set on fire in Punjab in the towns of Malout and Balluanna. The army was called in 10 districts of Punjab and several supporters of the Dera were arrested, the State Government said.

Haryana Police have detained 500 Dera Sacha Sauda followers since last night in Sirsa even as the authorities have appealed to over one lakh supporters still present in the sect headquarters to vacate the premises.

The minimum punishment for rape, under Indian law is seven years, unless it fulfils certain special criteria, such as if the victim is under 16 years at the time of the incident or if the perpetrator was in a position of trust (parent, religious leader). In such circumstances, the minimum punishment is 10 years rigorous imprisonment, which can extend to life imprisonment.