You let Panchkula burn for political benefits : HC slams Haryana Govt

While asking the Haryana Government to present the full list of movable and immovable properties owned by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the High Court said,  “you let Panchkula burn for political benefits.

The High Court wanted the list to be submitted by August 29 for attachment towards the compensation of the widespread damage of Government property by Dera followers.

At least 31 people were killed and more than 250 wounded in an orgy of violence that erupted after the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim, a self-declared and controversial spiritual leader,  for the rape of two women followers in the sect's Sirsa headquarters in 2002.

The quantum of punishment for Gurmeet Ram Rahim has been kept reserved for August 28.

Police resorted to tear gas to quell violent mobs in Panchkula. Media vehicles were  vandalised by Dera supporters, and some OB vans were set ablaze.

Curfew has been imposed in Patiala, Panchkula, Sirsa, Bhatinda, Ferozpur, Sirsa, Mansa, Muzaffarnagar and Baghpat.

A day later, security forces entered the premises of the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa, appealing to the followers to vacate the area.

The forces include the Army, Rapid Action Force and the Police.

An estimated one lakh people, including women and children, are said to be present in the sect headquarters.

According to media reports, the army and district authorities have been making announcements through loudspeakers, asking those inside to leave the premises.

In Delhi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh  reviewed the security situation in north India, particularly Haryana where violence following the conviction of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case has claimed 31 lives and left at least 250 wounded.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval,  Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and Intelligence Bureau chief Rajiv Jain and chiefs of paramilitary forces were among others, present at the meeting, media reports said.