28 dead in Panchkula mob violence after court convicts Dera chief in rape case: 10 facts

Panchkula in Haryana was the worst hit where the Dera chief's supporters, who had gathered outside the court premises, went on a rampage after the conviction.

Pic Courtesy: Reuters

New Delhi: At least 28 people were killed and more than 200 were injured in spiralling violence in Haryana's Panchkula city after a CBI court on Friday convicted Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2002 rape case.

The quantum of the sentence will be pronounced on August 28.

Panchkula was the worst hit where the Dera chief's supporters, who had gathered outside the court premises, went on a rampage after the conviction. Curfew has been imposed in various places, including Panchkula, Bathinda, Ferozepur and Mansa. 

Here are the 10 latest developments after the court verdict:

1. The Haryana government has announced it will compensate for the property damage to media and the public.

2. Punjab has asked for more security forces from the Centre in view of violence at different places.

3. Haryana Police said the protesters have been identified and strict action will be taken against them. It said about 1,000 Dera supporters have already been detained.

4. Section 144 has also been imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Noida, Ghaziabad , Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Baghpat in view of violent protests in Punjab and Haryana.

5. Meanwhile, Dera chief Ram Rahim Singh has been brought to Rohtak's Police Training College in a helicopter from Panchkula.

6. Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar has appealed for calm and asked people not to believe in rumours and 'steer clear' of those with criminal intentions.

7. Two empty coaches of Rewa Express were torched in Delhi's Anand Vihar railway station as the violence spreads to the NCR region. Earlier, Punjab's Malout Railway Station and a petrol pump were set on fire by protesters.

8. Six columns of the army have been deployed in Haryana's Sirsa for quick reaction, as violent protests continue.

9. In light of property damage, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered attachment of Dera Sacha Sauda properties so that the money retrieved can be used to compensate victims.

10. To maintain law and order, 10 BSF companies, CRPF personnel and around 57,000 police officials were put on duty in the affected areas. The army is also on standby.