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Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape case verdict: As it happened
A special CBI court in Panchkula held Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim guilty of rape
Latest Updates
As many as 445 trains have been cancelled due to the law and order situation in Punjab and Haryana.
PM Modi held over three hours long meeting with BJP chief Amit Shah tonight, as per India Today.
The Centre has asked the Haryana government to provide adequate security to the CBI special court judge who convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief, PTI reports.
Also Read - Haryana CM admits lapses in handling situation
Curfew imposed in Sangrur, security stepped up after violent protests by Dera followers.
DTC suspends its inter-state as well as Delhi-Lahore bus services following the violence.
Section 144 imposed in Uttarakhand's Nainital.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM Modi, requesting to ensure safety of people of Kerala in violence affected areas.
Panchkula is completely peaceful at the moment, flag marches conducted, says DGP Haryana, BS Sandhu.
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 Ram Rahim Singh to Ambala but Rohtak's Sunaria jail where he is present right now, he adds.
No major incident took place in Delhi today, 5 arrested for involvement in small incidents. Will keep close watch tomorrow also. Dera Sacha Sauda followers tried creating mischief, case has been registered. We have CCTV footage, probe underway, says Madhur Verma, Delhi Police.
Baba Ramdev tweets:
Vehicles burnt, media OB vans was torched, action will be taken against those who took law in their hands. Haryana government had made complete arrangements, the mob was really huge, says Khattar.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar visits Civil Hospital in Panchkula to meet those injured in violent protests.
Also Read - Violence in Haryana is deeply distressing, urge everyone to maintain peace: PM Modi
Ghaziabad District Magistrate directs all schools in the region to remain closed tomorrow.
Congress VP Rahul Gandhi tweets:
Police issues helpline number 0130-2221500 for Sonepat, Haryana
PM Narendra Modi condemns Panchkula violence, says:
The instances of violence today are deeply distressing. I strongly condemn the violence & urge everyone to maintain peace.
The law & order situation is being closely monitored. I reviewed the situation with the NSA & Home Secretary.
Urged officials to work round the clock to restore normalcy and provide all possible assistance that is required.
Police say prohibitory orders implemented in 11 Delhi districts, to be in force till Sept 8; Delhi's north, central districts not under prohibitory order.
Rahul Gandhi condemns violence in Haryana, says "violence, brutality have no place in society; condemns lawlessness"
Hearing in Dera chief's prison sentence to take place on August 28 via video-conferencing
Sirsa District Civil Surgeon says 2 Dera followers have
died in violence; 7 injuredAll petrol pumps shut in Delhi in the wake of Haryana violence
Bathinda: Heavy security in place; Rapid Action force also deployed
Curfew imposed in Punjab's Sangrur, Moga districts
High-level meeting called at Home Minister's residence tomorrow. Home Secy and others senior officials will also be present: MHA Sources
President Ram Nath Kovind condemns violence and damage to public property, tweets:
"Violence and damage to public property after court verdict is highly condemnable; appeal to all citizens to maintain peace"
Sonia Gandhi speaks to Punjab CM Amarinder Singh over violence post Ram Rahim Singh's conviction
Sonia Gandhi speaks to Punjab CM Amarinder Singh over violence post Ram Rahim Singh's conviction
Almost 250 trains cancelled. All trains going towards Rohtak cancelled for tomorrow: Neeraj Sharma, CPRO, Northern Railway
Section 144 imposed in Shamli, Bhagpat and Muzaffarnagar
Death toll rises to 28 in Panchkula violence, over 250 injured: PTI
I have alerted all officers posted at Delhi Metro stations: DG CISF OP Singh
Section 144 also imposed in Noida, Ghaziabad following violence by Dera Sacha Sauda followers
Violence reported in Rajasthan; Dera supporters set power sub-station office on fire in Sriganganagar,vehicle at sub-station premises also torched
I appeal Dera supporters to stay calm and deter the protesters. It is their duty too to maintain law and order: Additional Chief Secy to Haryana government
Protesters identified. We have video footage&strict action will be taken against them. Most of the protesters ousted from city: Ram Niwas
Dera Sacha Sauda describes as 'unjust' the verdict against Gurmeet Ram Rahim, says it would appeal against it
Government will compensate for the losses of media personnel and the properties of others: Ram Niwas, Addl. Chief Secy to Haryana Government
Three miscreants have been arrested, patrolling is being done in different areas: Madhur Verma, Delhi Police PRO
Delhi Metro stations alerted. Vigil intensified at stations along Uttar Pradesh, Haryana borders: CISF DG OP Singh
Punjab Govt asks central government for more security forces in view of violence at different places
All trains to be run from Delhi to Rohtak cancelled in view of violence carried out by Dera supporters in four states
Delhi Police PRO Madhur Varma says situation under control in the national capital
Alert issued in Noida following court's verdict on Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape case
Delhi L-G Anil Baijal directs police commissioner to take effective measures to ensure protection of life, property
Section 144 imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat, in view of violent protests in Punjab and Haryana
Army called out in Haryana's Sirsa to control Dera Sacha Sauda followers, says Superintendent of Police
Have talked to Haryana DGP, he says situation is being brought under control gradually: Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi
No one is above law. Appeal people to not believe in rumors and steer clear of people with criminal intentions: CM Manohar Lal Khattar
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar says, "Action will be taken against those taking law in their hands, appeal everyone to remain cautious"
1000 Dera Sacha Sauda have been detained, says Haryana's ADGP (Law & Order) Muhammad Akil.
The 1000 Dera Sacha Sauda followers have been detained in Panchkula.
Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim Singh presently at Rohtak's Police Training College in Sunaria; was brought here in a helicopter
Injustice has taken place, we will appeal for it. We are facing the similar situation what previous saints faced in the past: Dera Sacha Sauda
Situation is now under control, protesters have been dispersed: Haryana DGP BS Sandhu
Ram Rahim rape case verdict: Death toll in violent protests in Panchkula climbs to 17, over 200 injured
Around 40 trucks of Army enter Haryana's Sirsa
LIC building in Panchkula set on fire by protesters
Delhi Deputy Governor speaks to Delhi Police Commissioner, appeals people to maintain peace
Security at Delhi BJP Head Quarter increased post violence at various places after Ram Rahim Singh's conviction.
Police carried out Flag March in Haryana's Sirsa after Ram Rahim Singh's conviction
Dilawar Insan, Dera Sacha Sauda Spox appeals Ram Rahim supporters to maintain peace
Senior government officials in Panchkula should be given security by paramilitary forces, says Punjab and Haryana High Court
Punjab and Haryana High Court orders attachment of entire property of Dera Sacha Sauda, says damages to entire properties will be compensated by Dera Sacha Sauda
Violence reported in Delhi, two buses set ablaze on Mandoli flyover in Delhi's Nand Nagri.
Death toll in Panchkula violence rises to 12, says CMO civil hospital: PTI
Drones, helicopters carry out aerial survey in Panchkula following violence by Dera Sacha Sauda followers
Death toll in Panchkula violence rises to 12, says CMO civil hospital.
Violence reaches Delhi; two coaches of Rewa Express at Anand Vihar Terminal railway station set on fire
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urges people to maintain peace after violence in Haryana and Punjab following conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim.
After court verdict on Ram Rahim, violence breaks out in four states — Haryana, Punjab, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
WATCH: Dera Sacha Sauda followers turn violent, topple media van near Panchkula's Spl CBI court after conviction of Ram Rahim Verdict
Security tightened at railway stations in Delhi post rape conviction of Dera Chief Ram Rahim Singh: Northern Railway Spox Neeraj Sharma
Rajnath Singh to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi on situation in Haryana after Ram Rahim rape case conviction
Army columns moved in Haryana's Sirsa for quick reaction, as violent protests continue post rape conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief
Army to be deployed anytime soon in Haryana's Sirsa: Zee News sources
Buses set ablaze at Ghaziabad's Loni in Uttar Pradesh
Ram Rahim supporters pelt stones at police in Panchkula
Briefed Rajnath ji. Situation being monitoring extensively, strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt peace: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar
Violence reported in Nandnagari and Shahdra areas of Delhi, vehicles set on fire
Heavy force deployment in Sirsa as crowds turn violent, Rapid Action Force also reaches Haryana
At least 70 people injured in violent protests in Panchkula, admitted in Sector 6 General Hospital
Six Army columns deployed in Panchkula post conviction of Dera Chief Ram Rahim Singh
Also Read: Delhi on high alert as violence breaks out in Haryana
Ram Rahim supporters set afire Malout and Balluanna railway stations in Punjab: Nothern Railway
Just briefed Rajnath Singh ji about situation in Punjab. Keeping a close watch. Would not allow anyone to disturb peace in Punjab: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh
Singh had earlier tweeted:
Met BSF & Punjab Police personnel standing guard in areas in Zirakpur ahead of #RamRahimVerdict, situation is under control.
I appeal to all Punjabis to maintain peace and harmony in the state. We won't allow anyone to disturb the peace & tranquility of our state.
Police use teargas shells, water cannons to disperse Gurmeet Ram Raheem followers near Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa
Central Industrial Security Force personnel deployed within one km radius of Rohtak's Sunariya Jail
Over 50 vehicles including fire brigade set on fire by protesters in Haryana
Central Industrial Security Force personnel deployed within one km radius of Rohtak's Sunariya Jail
Five people dead in Panchkula violence, says duty doctor at civil hospital
Gurmeet Ram Rahim taken to Rohtak jail through helicopter
Curfew imposed in Punjab's Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa
Security stepped up in Punjab's Ludhiana
Administrative machinery geared up in Western Uttar Pradesh: Anand Kumar, ADG Law and Order
Power grid office set ablaze in Mansa in Punjab
Alert sounded in adjoining districts to ensure no spillover of trouble in Uttar Pradesh through strict check on borders: ADG Law and Order
Security alert on Delhi borders after Ram Rahim found guilty of rape
Curfew imposed in Mansa, Batindha, Surajpur in Haryana
Income Tax office set on fire by few masked people
Camera person injured during violent protests in Sirsa, Haryana following verdict on Gurmeet Ram Rahim
Ram Rahim verdict: 10 injured in violent protests, shifted to a hospital in Sector 6 Panchkula
Curfew clamped in Panchkula as Dera followers go on rampage after conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim: Police.
Curfew imposed in Mansa, Bathinda, Surajpur following Ram Rahim rape case verdict
Violence reported at several places in Haryana; several vehicles set ablze by protesters in Panchkula after court's verdict on Ram Rahim
Panchkula: Cops use tear gas shells after protesters resort to violence
Police take Gurmeet Ram Rahim inside Chandimandir Cantt of Army
Haryana: Three OB Vans set alight by protesters in Panchkula
Haryana: Media vans attacked in Panchkula following verdict on Ram Rahim.
I appeal to all Punjabis to maintain peace & harmony in state. Won't allow anyone to disturb peace and tranquility: Punjab CM on Ram Rahim verdict
Police lob teargas shells and fire in the air to control restive Dera supporters after court verdict.
Malout Railway station and petrol pump set on fire by protesters in Punjab post court's verdict on Gurmeet Ram Rahim; similar incidents also reported in Bathinda
Tear gas and lathi-charge in Sector 5 Panchkula as crowds turn violent, Live bullets fired in the air to disperse crowds
Ram Rahim is being shifted to Rohtak jail
Rapid Action Force use tear gas to diffuse situation in front of courtroom
Total blackout in Haryana, say sources
Special CBI Judge Jagdeep Singh delivered the guilty verdict on Friday
Dera chief likely to be lodged in Ambala Central prison, sources.
A medical team has reached inside the court premises
Security tightened in areas near the Panchkula Special CBI Court
Dera chief Ram Rahim Singh has been taken into custody by Haryana Police
Quantum of sentence to be announced on August 28
A special CBI court in Panchkula has found Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim guilty of rape.
Electricity in several localities of Panchkula has been cut off to maintain law and order.
Dera followers outside the courtroom, awaiting the verdict.
All trains to Jammu and Kashmir has been suspended.
Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar has appealed to people, especially Dera followers to remain calm. "Whatever may be the verdict, we'll implement it. Ready to deal with any circumstances. Security arrangements are in place," he added.
Dera chief will reach the courtroom soon.
If the self-styled godman is found guilty of rape, he'll be taken away from the court through a secret exit.
If he's acquitted, he'll go out through the main gate.
Dera Chief Ram Rahim Singh arrives at Panchkula's Special CBI Court
Gurmeet Ram Rahim's car to enter Panchkula court premises in 5 minutes.
Dera chief's convoy to reach Panchkula short. Security has been tightened around the court area.
Just five cars out of the 200-vehicle Ram Rahim's cavalcade can enter the court premises, said police.
Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has reached Panchkula and will soon present himself before a special CBI court which is set to pronounce verdict in the 15-year old sexual exploitation case against him today.
Dera followers line-up outside the court as Ram Rahim Singh expected to arrive shortly. Heavy security deployed outside Panchkula Court.
Section 144 has been imposed in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh and in Sri Ganganagar. Internet services have also been suspended for 48 hours.
As tense situation continues to prevail in Haryana, Punjab and Haryana High Court says in order to maintain law and order, the state can use force if the need arises.
The court also directs that no political, social or religious leader will issue any provocative statement.
"Want to appeal to people of Haryana to maintain peace," Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Haryana CM told ANI.
Dera chief's convoy is back on road.
In the latest update, several 'emotional' Dera followers stopped Gurmeet Ram Rahim's convoy in Kaithal, lying down on the road and refusing to move.
Police and paramilitary forces have also been deployed in outer Delhi on Friday ahead of a verdict against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, police said.A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court will deliver its verdict in Haryana`s Panchkula. In outer Delhi, which borders Haryana, around 14 police picketing posts have been set up and a company of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has been also deployed, a senior police officer told IANS.
"There's peace in the region and everything is in place. Have faith in us, proceedings will take place peacefully," said DGP Haryana.
"We have literally been holed up in our homes. We are not moving out as thousands of Dera followers are stationed in our locality for the past three days," housewife Deepika Narang, a resident of Sector 6 in Panchkula, told IANS.
The residents of the tricity - Mohali, Chandigarh and Panchkula - have been facing several problems over the last two days. There's no availability of milk and other essentials, said Narang.
Dera chief Ram Rahim verdict: Chandigarh, Panchkula wear deserted look
Watch: Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh leaving for CBI court in Panchkula from Sirsa with his convoy.
Dera supporters assemble in large number to catch glimpse of Gurmeet Ram Rahim
Several Dera followers faint as Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's convoy passed them in Sirsa.
Dera followers cry and try to block Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's convoy in Sirsa, reports news agency ANI.
As soon as the news of Dera chief's convoy starting from Sirsa emerged, excited premis were involved in a frenzy of activities in Panchkula.
Ignoring appeals from the state administration and Dera chief Ram Rahim, a large number of Dera followers remained in Panchkula, giving a tough time to authorities.
The 50-year-old Dera chief has left the sect-headquarters at Sirsa, about 260 km from Chandigarh, at about 9 am amid tight security. "He has left Sirsa by road," Sirsa Deputy Commissioner, Prabhjot Singh told PTI over phone.
The Dera chief, who enjoys 'Z' category security, is also being accompanied a number of his own security guards in a cavalcade. It will take him around three hours to reach the court, a police official said.
All shops, ATMs, cinema halls, petrol pumps, schools and offices located near Dera headquarters in Sirsa remained closed today.
It takes about 4.5 hours to cover the 245-kilometers distance between Panchkula and Sirsa.
The police has refused to reveal details of the route taken by the Singh to maintain law and order.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim leaves for Panchkula court from his home in Sirsa.
Haryana government on Friday advised Panchkula residents to stay indoors and avoid visiting public places.
The police have enforced several restrictions in the area. Only residents with valid identity cards are being allowed to go inside the city.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court said Thursday rapped the state governments for the prevailing law and order situation in Panchkula. The HC observed that there's been a “complete collusion” between the people moving into the city and the state government.
Nearly two lakh Dera supporters are camping in Panchkula today.
Yesterday night, for the first time, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh released a video message. requested millions of Dera followers to go back home and maintain peace.
"I appeal to everyone to maintain peace. I had asked everyone not to go to Panchkula. All Dera followers, who have gone to Panchkula, please go back to your homes. I will go to the court and hear the verdict. We all should respect law and maintain peace," he said in the video message.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's late night video message to 'premis': Maintain peace, go back home
About 74 trains have been cancelled for today in the view of law and order situation in Haryana ahead of Ram Rahim Verdict
Army has set up control rooms in Panchkula. Police barricades have been set up nearly 2.5 kilometres from court premises.
Army has set up control rooms in Panchkula. Police barricades have been set up nearly 2.5 kilometres from court premises.
Army has set up control rooms in Panchkula. Police barricades have been set up nearly 2.5 kilometres from court premises.
Fearing a riot-like situation, if the court decides Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is guilty of rape, the Centre has deployed over 15,000 paramilitary personnel in Punjab and Haryana, including 23 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Mobile and internet services have also been suspended for 72 hours. Schools and colleges will remain closed.
On Thursday night, flag marches were carried out by security forces in Panchkula, Sirsa, Hissar and other places while many hospitals have been put on alert as a precautionary measure.
Section 144 has been imposed in Sirsa and three nearby villages as a "precautionary measure" to maintain law and order. Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters are situated in Sirsa.
"Curfew will be clamped from 10 pm tonight till further orders in Sirsa city urban area and three villages - Nazia Khera, Shahpur Begu and Bajekan," Sirsa Deputy Commissioner Prabhjot Singh told PTI.
The Case:
A special CBI court in Panchkula will deliver its verdict in this 15-year-old alleged rape case.
the CBI – on the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court – registered a case of sexual exploitation against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in 2002, following the circulation of anonymous letters alleged sexual exploitation of two 'sadhvis' (female followers).
The 'sadhvis' allege that they were sexually exploited at the sect’s headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana.
The investigative agency claims to have concrete evidence against Singh. Singh has denied all charges.
Panchkula: Self-styled 'godman' Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was on Friday convicted of rape by a court here, triggering widespread violence and arson in Haryana.
Arson by followers of the head of Dera Sacha Sauda was also witnessed in Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan within a few hours of the pronouncement of the judgement by the CBI court in the 2002 case.
CBI judge Jagdeep Singh held Ram Rahim, 50, guilty of rape in a case that was registered on the basis of an anonymous written complaint in 2002 that he had sexually exploited two female followers.