Ram Rahim leaves for court, followers refuse to go, Army called in
Media reports Friday said over a lakh followers have gathered even as the Centre is keeping a watch on the situation. TV footage showed them wailing or lying crestfallen with many saying their guru is a God whose presence in their lives brought them prosperity and happiness.
Many of the followers squatting are women, including some children.
The court will deliver verdict in the rape case against him on Friday afternoon at around 2-30 pm.
The followers are camping in Panchkula, just 11 km from Chandigarh, triggering concerns of violence if the verdict is against Ram Rahim.
There is massive police security; the Army has been called in and is monitoring the situation with the state government. The union Home Ministry has said it is watching closely from a Delhi control room.
Army trucks were seen while Haryana police were trying to persuade the followers to disperse.
The Dera supporters earlier refused to move despite Chandigarh police's warning.
Five trucks have been called in and 1500 paramilitary troops deployed in Panchkula, a report said.
On Thursday late night, Ram Rahim in a video has urged his followers to maintain peace and return home.
Nearly two lakhs of Ram Rahim's followers have gathered already in Panchkula, some 15 kms from Chandigarh, where the ruling will be delivered on Friday at 2.30 pm.
Ram Rahim said on Twitter that he will appear in court for the verdict, as ordered by the judge.
"Although, I have back pain, I will abide by the law and will go to court. I have faith in God. Please maintain peace," he posted.
The dera head has been asked to appear in person before the special CBI judge, Jagdeep Singh at the time of pronouncement of the order.
The case of sexual exploitation was filed in 2002 by the CBI on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court after anonymous letters were circulated about the guru sexually exploiting two 'sadhvis' (female followers).
The CBI is also investigating whether the Dera chief encouraged the castration of 400 men at his ashram. His followers say these "fake cases" have bred resentment among them.
Image: TV grab
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