Ram Rahim jailed: Uneasy calm in Panchkula after Friday’s mayhem

Panchkula: At least 31 people were killed and 250 injured after violence erupted in Panchkula, following the conviction in a rape case of Dera Sach SAuda chief and self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

The situation is still tense but under control, the Union Home Ministiry said on Saturday. 

The violent protests come in the wake of Ram Rahim Singh's conviction, prompting police to fire tear gas shells at Dera protesters. Police also resorted to lathicharge and fired live bullets in the air to disperse the violent crowds.

Following the violence in Haryana and Punjab, Section 144 CrPC was imposed in 11 districts of Delhi, including New Delhi. The Delhi Police requested people to cooperate. The prohibitory orders will remain in force till September 8.

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

Six columns of Army were deployed in Panchkula following the protests.

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

The injured have been shifted to various hospitals. A camera person was also injured during violent protests in Sirsa. Three media vans were set alight by protesters in Panchkula.

Haryana's ADGP (Law & Order) Muhammad Akil said that at least 1000 Dera Sacha Sauda followers have been detained.

Curfew has been clamped in Panchkula as Dera followers go on rampage after the conviction.

Curfew has also been imposed in Punjab's Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa.

Read: Dera chief Ram Rahim convicted of rape; quantum of sentence on Aug 28

Dera supporters set power sub-station office on fire in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan. A vehicle at sub-station premises was also torched.

(Photo: ANI/Twitter)

Malout and Balluanna railway stations and a petrol pump were set on fire by protesters in Punjab and similar incidents were also reported in Bathinda post the verdict.

Two buses were set ablaze on Mandoli flyover in Delhi's Nand Nagri.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has directed police commissioner to take effective measures to ensure protection of life and property.

Alert has been sounded at Delhi Metro stations, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) DG O P Singh said, adding that vigil has been intensified at stations along Uttar Pradesh, Haryana borders.

According to Northern Railway Spokesperson, Neeraj Sharma, two empty rakes of Rewa Express at Anand Vihar Terminal railway station were set on fire. 

Police said a bus was torched in northeast Delhi's Loni Chowk, allegedly by Dera Sacha Sauda supporters.

Security at Delhi BJP headquarters has been beefed up post violence at various places after Ram Rahim Singh's conviction.

Punjab and Haryana High Court has said that that the properties of Ram Rahim Singh should be attached to pay for the losses due to violence.

The court also maintained that security by paramilitary forces should be provided to senior government officials in Panchkula.

President Ram Nath Kovind condemned the protests and appealed to the citizens to maintain peace.

Additional Chief Secretary to Haryana government, Ram Niwas said the government will compensate for the losses of media personnel and the properties of others. 
He said protesters have been identified. 

"We have video footage and strict action will be taken against them. Most of the protesters have been ousted from the city," Niwas further added.

Ram Niwas also appealed Dera supporters to stay calm and deter the protesters. 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has appealed to everyone particularly the supporters of Dera Sacha Sauda to maintain peace.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has urged people to maintain peace after violence in Haryana, Punjab following conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has appealed to the people of Punjab to maintain peace and harmony in the state.

"Won't allow anyone to disturb peace and tranquility," Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.

"Action will be taken against those taking law in their hands, appeal everyone to remain cautious," Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said.

"No one is above law. Appeal people to not believe in rumours and steer clear of people with criminal intentions," Khattar added.

"Just briefed Rajnath Singh ji about situation in Punjab; keeping a close watch. Would not allow anyone to disturb peace in Punjab," Chief Minister tweeted.

Security alert has been sounded on Delhi borders.

"Alert sounded in adjoining districts to ensure no spillover of trouble in UP through strict check on borders," Anand Kumar, ADG Law and Order said.

"Administrative machinery has been geared up in Western Uttar Pradesh," Kumar added.

Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Ram Rahim Singh was flown out of Panchkula after the verdict and has been lodged in a make-shift jail at police training centre in Rohtak.

"Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been put in (special jail at) PTC Sunaria," Rohtak Deputy Commissioner Atul Kumar told PTI.