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Dera Sacha Sauda activists indulge in acts of vandalism, Punjab, Haryana CMs appeal for calm
Chief Ministers of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar and Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh, issued separate appeals for maintenance of law and order and calm after followers of DSS chief Ram Rahim went berserk with grief and anger over his conviction on an alleged rape charge.
Panchkula: Chief Ministers of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar and Punjab CM Captain (Retired) Amarinder Singh, on Friday issued separate appeals for maintenance of law and order and calm after followers of Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) chief Gurmeeet Ram Rahim went berserk with grief and anger over his conviction on an alleged rape charge.
Dera followers, including a large number of women started crying. Others attacked electronic media crew and damaged OB vans of a private TV channel, forcing the police to lob tear gas shells and use water cannons and batons to bring a violent and virulent situation under control.
Also Read: Ram Rahim verdict-Death toll rises to 30, another person succumbs to injuries in Sirsa
Gurmeet Ram Rahim, was held guilty and charged with the offence of rape by a Special CBI Court of Panchkula.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh took to Twitter to say, "I appeal to all Punjabis to maintain peace and harmony in the state. We won't allow anyone to disturb the peace and tranquility of our state".
Hours after the verdict was announced, three OB vans were set ablaze by protesters. At least ten people were injured and had to be shifted to a hospital in Sector 6 in Panchkula.
The Malout Railway Station and petrol pump was also been set on fire by protesters in Punjab Similar incidents were also reported from Bathinda.
Also Read: Ram Rahim verdict: Violence in Panchkula, police, media attacked
Meanwhile, a camera person was injured during the violent protests in Sirsa.
Inspector General of Police Amitabh Singh Dhillon said, "Everything is perfectly under control, let us not sensationalize unnecessarily.
Soon after the announcement of the verdict, Ram Rahim was taken into custody by the Haryana Police.
Also Read: Ram Rahim convicted in rape case, quantum of sentence to be announced on Monday
National capital New Delhi and Bhatinda were placed on a state of high alert after Rahim's supporters resorted to violence. (ANI)