Highlights of the day: A special CBI court on Friday convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh of raping two woman followers in a case filed on the basis of an anonymous written complaint in 2002. The Dera chief was taken into protective custody by the Army. Thousands of Gurmeet Ram Rahim followers had started pouring into Panchkula and nearby areas, anticipating a verdict in the spiritual leader's favour. However, violent supporters rampaged through the city after learning that self-styled godman had been convicted of rape charges. The followers clashed with the security forces, set government vehicles afire, vandalised properties, and attacked media people and their OB Vans. In a large-scale violence that ensued the Dera chief's conviction led to the death of at least 32 people and injuries to more than 250 people. The violence spread through Panchkula, Sirsa and other parts of Haryana, compelling security forces to take stern action against the angry mob running amok. Within hours, hundreds of vehicles were torched, media vans were overturned, and hospitals in Panchkula were deluged with people who sustained injuries during the violence. The savagery soon reached the national capital. At least 4 coaches of a train were set afire allegedly by the Dera supporters at Anand Vihar railway station. Two DTC buses were set ablaze in Loni area of New Delhi, forcing the Delhi Transport Corporation to block DTC services to NCR region. Haryana DGP BS Sandhu said more than 1,000 of the godman’s supporters had been detained in Panchkula on charges of arson and destruction of public property and said the situation was now coming under control. In the wake of riots that broke out after Gurmeet Ram Rahim's conviction, Section 144 was imposed in 11 districts of Delhi, 10 districts in Punjab and parts of Uttar Pradesh, too.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to ensure the safety of "Malayalees who are in fear of their life and property". Vijayan wrote: "It is worrying that widespread instances of violence, rioting, and arson are being reported in several north Indian states, following the verdict convicting Gurmeet Ram Rahim by a CBI special court in Panchkula. Reports indicate that the death count and the number of injured are increasing by the hour." "... May I request you to take immediate and necessary action to ensure that the life and property of all our citizens are protected without fail. Strict action against those behind these unprecedented acts of violence may also be ensured."

The Congress on Friday called for the resignation of Haryana chief minister M L Khattar, with party president Sonia Gandhi expressing grave concern over the violence in the state. The Congress president appealed for peace, while vice-president Rahul Gandhi stressed that violence and brutality had no place in society. "@PMOIndia must put the interest and safety of Indians before his party's interests. @mlkhattar must resign," the party said on Twitter.

As many as 445 trains have been cancelled due to the law and order situation in Punjab and Haryana as Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted in a rape case, officials said on Friday. "485 train services have been affected (due to the violence). Of these, 445 stood cancelled," Neeraj Sharma, spokesperson, Northern Railway, said. The Railways said the accumulative figure for cancelled trains on six days, from August 23 till August 28, was at 445. Advertisement

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani tonight condemned the attack on media during violence in Panchkula but at the same time advised news channels to refrain from "causing panic, distress and undue fear". "Attack on media, damage to property condemnable. Appeal to all to maintain peace," she said in a tweet. At the same time, she added, "Drawing the attention of news channels to clause B of Fundamental Std of NBSA (News Broadcasting Standards Authority) refraining channels from causing panic, distress & undue fear."

The Centre on Friday night asked the Haryana government to provide adequate security to the CBI special court judge who convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case. The Union home ministry told the Haryana government that Judge Jagdeep Singh should be provided the highest level of security in view of the threat perception after he delivered the verdict against the Dera head, an official said. The home ministry will analyse intelligence inputs before deciding whether the judge’s security needs to be handled by a central force, such as the CRPF or CISF. Widespread violence in Haryana and a few neighbouring states following the conviction of the Dera chief left nearly 30 dead and scores injured.

The Punjab and Haryana High court has directed the Police to register an FIR against anyone, including politicians, trying to interfere with the enforcement of the law. "In case of failure on part of the police officer to register an FIR, similar action would be called against him. No politician, leader, social worker, spiritual leader, religious leader or any such organisation shall make any provocative speech or statement which may have a tendency to affect public order"

Update on Law and Order situation in Punjab: According to DGP control room, Punjab, no death or injury has been reported. Curfew has been imposed in 10 districts, namely, Mansa, Bhatinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Malout, Fazilka, Patiala, Barnala, Faridpur and Sagrur.

After Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh, section 144 has now been imposed in Uttarakhand's Nainital.

Baghpat District Magistrate directs all schools in the region to remain shut on Saturday, ANI reports.

Five hundred people have been rounded up. Panchkula is completely peaceful at the moment, flag marches conducted. 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. We used tear gas, lathi charge, pellet bullets and fired on them (protesters) where arson was reported.

In the wake of violence in Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi, the Delhi Transport corporation (DTC), has suspended all buses in the NCR region. The Delhi-Lahore bus has also been suspended for today.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh at Rohtak jail.

Chandigarh Police have arrested six private commandos of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and seized weapons and petrol cans. The Army is staging flag-march in the 10 curfew-bound districts of Punjab to restore the confidence of the people as violence swept through the state after Ram Rahim was found guilty of rape. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who was personally monitoring the situation, appealed to the people to remain calm and not to take the law in their hands.

CLICK TO READ | 3 Haryana BJP Ministers Gifted Rs 1.1 crore to Rape Convict Ram Rahim

"As a preventive measure, we have enforced Section 144 of the CrPC in Delhi in 11 police districts," said SBK Singh, special commissioner of police (Law and Order, North). Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973 empowers an executive magistrate to prohibit an assembly of more than four people in an area. The national capital has 13 police districts. North and central districts will not fall under the ambit of the orders since no incidents were reported from there, the officer said. "Wherever even a minor incident or gathering was reported or the area is bordering Haryana, we have taken precautions. The prohibitory orders will be in place until September 8," Singh added.

Haryana chief minister talks to media about the ongoing violence in Panchkula and nearby areas

In Pics: Dera Rampage Grips Haryana, Delhi After Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Conviction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter on Friday evening and expressed disappointment over the turn of events in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan after Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim was convicted in a rape case filed in 2002. "The instances of violence today are deeply distressing. I strongly condemn the violence and urge everyone to maintain peace." Prime Minister said that the law and order situation in Haryana was 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."

Director General of Police, Law and Order, Punjab, Chandigarh had alerted all CsP and SSsP in Punjab that Dera Sacha Sauda supporters were storing petrol, diesel sharp-edged weapons etc. ahead of the verdict in the rape case against the self-styled godman. The government ignored the intelligence.

Rahul Gandhi says violence and brutality have no place in society; condemns "lawlessness" in Haryana.

Section 144 was imposed in Delhi after intelligence reports suggested that a section of Dera supporters was planning to mobilise and bring the national capital to a halt tomorrow morning.

Delhi police say section 144 imposed all across Delhi in the wake of violence in Haryana, Punjab and New Delhi. As a precautionary measure, petrol pumps in Delhi have also been shut down

Despite the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim in a rape case, BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj says it was a conspiracy to malign the image of Sadhus and Gurus. He says that just one person complained about the rape and the administration went against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, and he was convicted. "Why can't they see crores of people who follow Gurmeet Ram Rahim?"

Manohar Lal Khattar who appeared before media after four hours of violence looked puzzled when asked about the number of deaths. He looked behind and asked the number. Dera Sacha Sauda supporters resorted to violence. They disrupted peace, damaged government buildings and set media OB vans on fire, the chief minister said. "Strong action will be taken against those responsible for these violent clashes."

The hearing to decide the quantum of punishment to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted in a rape case by a CBI court in Panchkula today, will take place through video-conferencing on August 28. The judgment, holding Singh guilty of raping two female followers, mentions that the hearing will be held through video-conferencing, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) sources said. The quantum of sentence will be pronounced on August 28, CBI counsel HPS Verma told reporters outside the court in Haryana.

Delhi Police release video footage of goons setting bus ablaze in Delhi

In a bizarre statement, Bhartiya Janata Party MP Sakshi Maharaj has defended Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, calling him a "noble soul". "Who is correct? 1 crore people who are supporting Baba or that girl who was raped? Accusing a noble soul like Ram Rahim."

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called a high-level meeting tomorrow morning to take stock of the situation and decide the future course of action in the wake of violence in Panchkula and other parts of Haryana and Rajasthan. Top home ministry, Intelligence bureau, para military officials expected to attend the meeting.

The Congress President, Sonia Gandhi, has expressed grave concern and shock at the unabated violence in Panchkula and other parts of Haryana resulting in the death of over two dozen people, including children, widespread destruction of public property and senseless attack on the media. Sonia appealed to everyone to maintain peace and harmony. She has spoken to the Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and has asked the Govt of Haryana and U.T Chandigarh to ensure safety and security of all citizens.

Vivek Bhadu, Chief Medical Officer at the civil hospital in Panchkula, says, "Seventeen people are dead and at least 200 are injured." Another seven deaths were recorded at PGIMER hospital in Chandigarh and four at Government Medical College in Chandigarh, officials said. Bhadu said that most of the deaths were due to bullet injuries.



CPRO, Northern Railway, Neeraj Sharma has informed that almost 250 trains have been cancelled in the view of the ongoing violence in Panchkula and nearby areas. All trains to Rohtak cancelled.

News agency PTI has reported that the death toll has risen to 28 now.

President Ram nath Kovind tweets: Violence and damage to public property after court verdict is highly condemnable; appeal to all citizens to maintain peace.

Dera Sacha Sauda issues statement, says they have been “wronged”, will appeal in higher court. Dera spokesperson appeals for peace. "This is unjust. We will appeal against the judgment," the statement said. "What has happened with us is something that has happened to gurus through history. Dera Sacha Sauda is dedicated to the betterment of humanity. We request all to maintain peace," the statement further read.

Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed on Baghpat, Shamli, and Muzaffarnagar in the wake of clashes that broke out in parts of Haryana and Punjab. Punjab government has claimed that not a single death has occurred under its jurisdiction.

The Army was called to rein in the rampaging Dera Sacha Sauda followers, who gathered at the sect's headquarters here, following its chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction in a rape case. The police and administrative officials confirmed that the Army was summoned to control a large number of angry Dera followers at the sect's headquarters. "We have called the Army to control the Dera followers so that there is no loss of life or property. We are trying to maintain the law-and-order situation in the area," Ashwin Shenvi, Superintendent of Police (SP), Sirsa, told PTI. A top police officer told PTI two companies of Army personnel were summoned from Hisar district to maintain law-and-order in Sirsa.

Noida Police say reports of curfew are nothing but rumours, people shouldn't fall for unconfirmed reports.

Three miscreants have been arrested, patrolling is being done in different areas, Madhur Verma, Delhi Police PRO told media on Friday evening.

Punjab government has asked the Centre for extra security forces in the view of current violence in Panchkula and nearby areas.

The death toll as a result of violence that has marred several areas in Haryana has risen to 17 now. Those injured in the clashes are being administered treatment at various hospitals in Panchkula and nearby areas.

In his first reaction to the ongoing violence, Haryana chief minister Manohar Khattar says that action will be taken against those taking law into their own hands. "I appeal everybody to remain cautious." "No one is above law. Appeal people to not believe in rumors and steer clear of people with criminal intentions," the chief minister said. Meanwhile, Haryana ADGP Muhammad Akil says that the Haryana Police has detained nearly 1000 followers of the Dera Sachha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

Rajnath Singh has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and apprised him of the situation in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Rajasthan. The violence has now reached Delhi and Rajasthan. The security at several metro stations in Delhi has been beefed up after two coaches of a train were set afire by violent supporters of Dera Chief in Anand Vihar, Delhi.

The death toll rises to 15. The number of people, who suffered injuries, has increased to 200 now. The violence in Panchkula and nearby areas, triggered by the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, has now spread to Rajasthan, too.

Delhi Police: All SHOs, ACPs, DCPs, Joint CPs, are out patrolling in the city to avoid any untoward incident after the violence battered Haryana and nearby areas post Dera Sacha Sauda chief's conviction in a rape case filed in 2002. Police carrying out a flag march in Haryana's Sirsa, curfew imposed on the entire district.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrashi has confirmed that 13 people have died as a result of violence in Panchkula and nearby areas, adding that the centre was continuously monitoring the situation. Yes, the situation is serious but yet not out of control, he said.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is being flown to Rohtak jail from Panchkula in a chopper.

Latest reports coming in form Delhi. Two buses were allegedly set ablaze by Dera Sacha Sauda chief supporters in Delhi's Nand Nagri area. The LIC building in Panchkula has also been set ablaze by the Dera supporters.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court orders attachment of all properties owned by the Dera Sacha Sauda chief to compensate for all the destruction caused by the spiritual leader's supporters.

CNN-News18's Subhajit SenGupta, who has been reporting from outside the CBI court in Panchkula, says that the Dera Sacha Sauda supporters had last night assured the security personnel, as also the media, that they will not resort to any kind of violence if the verdict goes against them. On Friday, however, the situation spiraled out of control when the Dera chief was convicted, and the supporters went on a rampage. Army choppers can be seen hovering over the violence-hit Panchkula.

CNN-News18's Subhajit SenGupta, who has been reporting from outside the CBI court in Panchkula, says that the Dera Sacha Sauda supporters had last night assured the security personnel, as also the media, that they will not resort to any kind of violence if the verdict goes against them. On Friday, however, the situation spiraled out of control when the Dera chief was convicted, and the supporters went on a rampage. Army choppers can be seen hovering over the violence-hit Panchkula.

Haryana Jail Minister says Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim will be lodged in a guest house at the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak.

The death toll in the riots that ensued Gurmeet Ram Rahim's conviction in a rape case has risen to 13 now. The violence that erupted after Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted of rape charges by a CBI court has reached Delhi now. A train at Anand Vihar Railway Station and a bus in northeast Delhi were set ablaze by Dera supporters, according to police.

Police say bus torched in northeast Delhi's Loni Chowk, allegedly by Dera Sacha Sauda supporters, reports PTI.

A train has been set afire at Anand Vihar Railway Station in Delhi. Reports trickling in suggest that two coaches of the Rewa Express have been set ablaze.

Rajnath Singh has said that the state administration cannot be blamed for the ongoing violence in the state of Haryana, adding that the state administration had taken all the precautionary measures.

Rajnath Singh says he is going brief Prime minister Narendra Modi on the current riots in Panchkula, Sirsa and several other areas in Haryana.

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal says on twitter that he has briefed the home minister and the situation is being monitored extensively. He added that strict action will be taken against those who try to disrupt peace. Meanwhile, Rajnath Singh has appealed to all the Dera Sacha Sauda supporters for peace. I have been told that Gurmeet Ram Rahim also wants peace.

Delhi traffic police say that road has been blocked near the Bhopura border keeping in mind the current violence that occurred after Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted by a CBI court.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim supporters, after the spiritual leader was convicted, have set vehicles, media vans, petrol pumps on fire. There is a complete breakdown of law and order currently in Haryana. At least 11 people have lost their lives and hundreds have suffered injuries. Meanwhile, there is an incessant movement of ambulances, ferrying those injured, to the hospitals.

Six army columns have been rushed to Panchkula to take control of the situation. Gurmeet Ram Rahim supporters have run amok after the CBI court convicted the self-styled godman in a rape case filed in 2002.

UPDATE: The death toll in the ongoing riots in Panchkula and nearby areas has risen to 11 now. The unruly Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh supporters have set emergency services vehicles on fire. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that extra force to curtail violence in Haryana and other areas will be rushed as soon as possible.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called on Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar to take control of the situation immediately and impose a curfew if the situation so demands. Meanwhile, more than 100 vehicles have been set ablaze in Panchkula. The hospitals are struggling with a massive influx of patients and reports of blood shortage.



The hospitals in Panchkula are flooded with people who were injured in the violence.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has called an emergency meeting to take stock of the ongoing violence in Panchkula and nearby areas.

UPDATE | At least 8 people have died and over 200 have sustained injuries in the ongoing riots in Panchkula.

At least 50 people have sustained injuries in the ongoing violence in Panchkula and nearby areas. Those injured have been taken to several hospitals in Panchkula.

At least 3 Dera Sacha Sauda supporters have died in the violence that is currently unfolding in Panchkula and nearby areas. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR has been put on high-alert. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh supporters attempt to set Panchkula Income Tax Office on fire.

Media OB vans are being overturned by angry rioters of Dera Sacha Sauda.

More deployment has been called in at Sirsa, with reports emerging that rioters are overpowering security forces. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has claimed that intelligence assessment on Dera Sacha Sauda rioters was not proper.

Reports are claiming that several people have been injured. ANI News is claiming that 10 people were injured in Sector 6 Panchkula and have been rushed to the hospital.

10,000 security forces rush to disperse about 60,000 rioters. Hundreds of tear gas shells fired.

Curfew has been enforced in Mansa, Panchkula, Bathinda, and Ferozepur.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been airlifted by Helicopter to Rohtak Jail.

"We have taken necessary steps. I called the Home Minister a week back. Ask why the Haryana CM let people collect so close to the verdict. The situation is under control. No deaths or nothing set on fire in Punjab. There are no curfews in the state," says Punjab CM Amarinder Singh, as Dera Sacha Sauda rioters set fire to a petrol pump in Malot, Punjab.

Two Railway stations in Punjab have been set on fire. Meanwhile, Ferozepur has been put under curfew.

Army Headquarters sources have told CNN-News18 that the Army has not yet been deployed and the Army column seen outside the Panchkula court has been relocated itself for a quick response.

Two police stations have been set on fire by rioters of the Dera Sacha Sauda. Meanwhile, the CNN-News18 crew in Sirsa has been attacked.

Since the victim, in the rape case of which Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been convicted, was a minor at the time of crime there will be a minimum sentence will be 10 years imprisonment, which might be extended to a life term.

CNN-News18 crew has been attacked by supporters of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Vehicles are being torched by the protestors.

Police fire tear gas shells in Panchkula around the CBI Court after the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The violence comes even after the Punjab and Haryana High Court pulled up the government over lax in security.

Stone pelting has been reported in Sirsa by angry Dera Sacha Sauda supporters. Around 3 media OB vans have been completely damaged. Heavy lathi charge, tear gas, water cannons being used by security personnel.

Violence has reportedly begun by Dera Sacha Sauda supporters. The protestors have attacked cars, media persons, and media OB vans. Tear gas shells have been fired by the police.

"Everything is under control. Do not sensationalise the situation. We are absolutely under control," says Sirsa SP.

After Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction, a large group of people are moving towards the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa, where two levels of barbed wire barricading has been put up.

Reports of tear gas being used in Panchkula to control the situation. Meanwhile, Panchkula turns into a fortress as police teams move in with riot control gear and tear gas shells.

CNN-News18's legal editor Utkarsh Anand says that as the rape victim was a minor — the minimum jail term could be 10 years, which could be extended up to life term.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh will be taken to the Chandi Mandir Military station in Panchkula. Rapid Action Force personnel move around CBI court premises with tear gas shells. Meanwhile, the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa has been completely cordoned off.

After Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction there is a total blackout in Haryana.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been taken into protective custody by the Army. Meanwhile, the police are ready with pellet guns near the court if situation get out of hand.

An Army convoy has moved around the CBI court premises in Panchkula and security forces are dispersing the crowd of about 50 to 60 thousand Dera Sacha Sauda supporters.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been taken to judicial custody till August 28, after his conviction over rape charges by the CBI court in Panchkula, when the arguments on quantum of sentence will be made.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been convicted of rape charges by the CBI court in Panchkula. Sentencing to take place on August 28.

Dera Sacha Sauda supporters turn anxious, restless as CBI court delays verdict in the Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape case. Meanwhile, supporters outside the CBI court in Panchkula are beginning to celebrate, based on rumours that the sect chief has been acquitted.

After internet services, there is no power supply in Panchkula.

The verdict on Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh over rape charges in the CBI court is going to be kept undisclosed for close to 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The reading out of verdict for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh over rape charges has begun at the CBI court in Panchkula. The sect chief is present in the court.

Cars in Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's convoy changed their route to come through Chandigarh, instead of Zirakpur, to enter Panchkula.

"I appeal to all, especially Dera Sacha Sauda followers, to maintain peace. Whatever the verdict, we will implement it. We are prepared for all eventualities," says Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

The Deras and the politicians who've visited them:

If the verdict turns out against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the CBI court may keep the ruling a 'secret' for an hour or so to counter any violent reaction and make sure that the sect chief can get safe passage out of Panchkula to Ambala Jail.

CNN-News18’s Saahil Menghani is at the media cell office of the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda where members are monitoring live coverage of the verdict in the rape case against their leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. A member of the Dera’s media cell says they are looking out for any reports of violence in the wake of the verdict. “We don’t want any anti-social elements to indulge in violence and ruin Dera Sacha Sauda’s name,” says the media cell member.

The verdict in Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape case is likely to be read out at 2:30 pm.

The Army is currently on standby in Panchkula and security personnel are armed with tear gas and water cannons, ready for a possible standoff with Dera Sacha Sauda Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's supporters.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh left Sirsa with a 200-strong convoy but after multiple interventions by security personnel, it came down to 20 while entering Panchkula. Ultimately only 2 cars were allowed to enter the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Utsav Bains, the lawyer for victims in the Dera Sacha Sauda Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape case has said that the if the sect chief is acquitted, the case could be shifted to another state.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's convoy has reached the Punjab and Haryana Court in Panchkula and the sect chief has entered court premises via a special entrance. Only 2 cars from the convoy allowed to enter court premises.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim's convoy will reach Panchkula in 20 minutes, where the sect chief is set to hear the verdict over rape charges in the Punjab and Haryana Court. Reports are claiming that as of now, there are 20 cars in the convoy.

CNN-News18's Arunima talks to CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar ahead of the verdict on Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape case in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

UPDATE | Railways has said that a total of 236 trains are going to be affected from 24 to 27th August. 211 trains have been canceled including 91 Mail Express and 120 passenger trains. 25 short-distance trains have also been terminated or diverted.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has told the Haryana Government to file FIRs on religious leaders if they make provocative statements and has praised the media for showing restraint and giving 'the true picture'. The court also told the Haryana government to use force if necessary to control the situation if it arises. Meanwhile, there is heavy paramilitary deployment at the Punjab and Haryana High Court ahead of the verdict on Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape case.

There are many VIPs hobnobbing and sometimes associated with ‘Deras’. In light of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s case, let’s take a look which famous politicians have visited Deras: Dera Sacha Sauda | ML Khattar, Captain Amarinder Singh, Anil Vij, the Badal family, Depender Singh Hooda Dera Beasi | Rahul Gandhi, Captain Amarinder Singh, Arvind Kejriwal, the Badal family Dera Sacha Khand | KR Narayanan, Kanshi Ram, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal, Captain Amarinder Singh, the Badal family

“In law and order situations, it is the local authorities who will have to take the final call. There are sops which have been laid down, which we shall follow. The decisive moment will be when the judgment is announced. We will move accordingly then,” said Director General of CRPF RR Bhatnagar to CNN-News18’s Arunima ahead of the verdict of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

CNN-News18’s Arunima talked to the Director General of CRPF RR Bhatnagar ahead of the verdict of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. “Local agencies have conducted a ground-level assessment. On Ministry of Home Affairs’ instructions, we have deployed riot action force. We are taking all steps to ensure that the situation does not get out of hand.”

The huge gathering of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh supporters in Panchkula has pushed them into the nation’s limelight. Let’s take a look at them — The Dera Sacha Sauda claims to have 50 million followers | The followers of the sect are called ‘Premis’ and consider the godman to be their spiritual preceptor, psychologist, family confidante and business advisor | The Dera Sacha Sauda has a 45-member committee looking after the sect’s working in individual states and lower platforms | The supporters believe that the cases against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh are a conspiracy to malign their guru | As the Dera does not believe in caste or religion, their support group varies from the lower-strata of society to the more affluent one.

Police in Gurgaon is about to hold a flag march in some time. Talking to CNN-News18, DCP traffic said, "A total of four companies will be involved. Haryana police have been deployed in large numbers. We will check our anti-riot equipment. Company Commander should ensure all the equipment are in place. Instructions will be given for immediate action if anyone takes law and order in their own hands. All personnel are instructed to be on the duty with anti-riot equipment."

Here's a timeline of the case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh (2/2)

Here's a timeline of the case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh (1/2)

Haryana DGP BS Sandhu said that the police are trying to reduce the convoy. "Have trust in us," said Sandhu. "Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh will appear in court," he added.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had yesterday pulled up Haryana government over lax in security leading up to the verdict of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's rape case. Today, the petition for the same will be heard in court.

As reports of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's Dera Sacha Sauda protestors blocking roads in Sirsa come in, Panchkula Commissioner of Police, AS Chawla, says that the situation is under control.

JUSTICE JAGDEEP SINGH | Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court judge, Jagdeep Singh, is set to deliver the judgment in the 15-year-old rape case against the head of the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Singh, an additional district and sessions judge rank official, was designated as the CBI special judge last year. This is his second posting as a judicial officer. Singh joined the Haryana judicial services in 2012 and was posted at Sonepat.

Visuals of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's Dera Sacha Sauda followers crying and trying to block his convoy in Sirsa. Many followers also fainted as the convoy passed them.

Security forces are facing a tough situation as many Dera Sacha Sauda followers remained reluctant to move, with most saying they had come to the town on their own and will move only after the court delivers its verdict. However, authorities said they had sealed the road leading to the district court complex in Panchkula and nobody was being allowed on that route. "We will not move out from Panchkula until we have pitaji's (Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh) darshan. We will wait till the court verdict," said an aged follower who had come from Bathinda in Punjab.

With hours left for the CBI court's verdict on Friday in a rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and tension mounting in Haryana's Panchkula, adjoining in Chandigarh, Army was called in to deal with any situation along with other security forces. Central para-military forces and Haryana Police tried to evict the Dera Sacha Sauda supporters gathered in thousands at various places in Panchkula, through the intervening night of Thursday and Friday. However, Dera Sacha Sauda disciples stayed put.

Shops, ATMs, cinema halls, petrol pumps, located near Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa were closed today, hours before a court verdict in a rape case against the sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Security personnel are keeping a strict vigil by erecting barricades on several places and are not allowing any vehicular movement towards the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters at Sirsa in Haryana. A petrol pump around 300 metres from the Dera Sacha Sauda has been closed to avoid any untoward incident. Similarly, the shutters of several ATMs have been pulled down in the area.

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh left Sirsa this morning to appear before a special CBI court at Panchkula in a rape case against him. The 50-year-old Dera Sacha Sauda head left the sect-headquarters in Sirsa, about 260 km from Chandigarh, at about 9 am amid tight security. "He has left Sirsa by road," said Sirsa Deputy Commissioner, Prabhjot Singh. The Dera Sacha Sauda 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.

HOW DID THE CASE BEGIN | After the Prime Minister received the letter, the Punjab and Haryana High Court took suo motu cognizance of the case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and it was referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation in September 2002. Almost 18 Sadhvis were questioned in the case and out of the 18, two corroborated the statement of the Sadhvi and stated that even they were raped and assaulted. The CBI recorded the testimonies of all the witnesses under Section 164 of Criminal Procedure Code so that it can be produced in the court and later cannot be dismissed as statements under police coercion.

GENESIS OF THE CASE | 15 years ago in 2002, a Sadhvi (a woman who partakes in activities of the Dera Sacha Sauda and often resides there) wrote an anonymous letter to the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee narrating her ordeal. She alleged that the Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh raped her and other Sadhvis too. The contents of the letter indicated that she was called to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's room one night. When she entered the room, an armed Singh with a revolver was there with a pornographic movie playing in the background. The Sadhvi claimed that she was raped and assaulted for three years and 35-40 other women too had to bear the same pain.

65 CRPF personnel, 10 BSF companies, and around 57,000 police officials are on duty in Chandigarh and Panchkula ahead of the verdict for rape charges over Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

JUST IN | Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has left for the CBI court in Panchkula which will pronounce its verdict in a rape case filed against him. His massive convoy reportedly consists of more than 100 vehicles. The verdict is likely to be delivered after 2pm.

BIG BANDOBAST | At least 40 duty magistrates have been appointed in Gurugram to deal with any situation that may follow the CBI court's verdict on the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

JUST IN | At least 200 trains through Punjab and Haryana have been cancelled between August 24 to 28 in view of the court verdict in the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. In a similar move, the Himachal Pradesh Transport Corporation has suspended its bus services to Punjab and Haryana. Nearly 200 routes would be affected and the decision to resume bus services would be taken after reviewing the situation, Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister GS Bali has said.

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FILM CONTROVERSY | In 2015, Gurmeet Ram Rahim was again in trouble when then censor board chief Leela Samson alleged that the government was forcing her to pass a movie made by the Dera Sacha Sauda chief. The film in question was ‘Messenger of God’, of which he was the lead actor, choreographer, singer, director and producer. Ram Rahim went on to make four more movies in which he again played all these roles.

DERA VS SIKHS | Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh also courted controversy back in 2007 when he mocked the 10th guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, by dressing up like him. This sparked violent clashes between Sikhs and Dera Sacha Sauda followers. Bathinda bore the brunt of violence, in which three people were killed and hundreds of civilians and policemen were injured. Seven passed by and Ram Rahim found himself in the midst of another storm. In 2014, around 400 followers of his sect alleged that Ram Rahim ordered their castration. The case was handed over to the CBI. The same year reports also emerged of arms training being imparted to the followers of Dera Sacha Sauda at its Sirsa headquarters.

OTHER CASES | Related to the current case were two other murder charges against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was accused of murdering Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chatrapati who had been writing about the Dera's activities in a local paper named ‘Poora Sach’. Chatrapati was shot on October 24, 2001 and died on November 21. Ram Rahim was also an accused in the murder of the manager of Dera Sacha Sauda, Ranjit Singh, in July 2002. Last year, Ram Rahim managed to secure a stay on pronouncement of the final order, by a CBI court, from the High Court.

THE CURRENT CASE | Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is fighting a case of rape and sexual exploitation of two women who were then, back in 2002, members of his Dera Sacha Sauda and lived in the Sirsa headquarters, about 260 km from Chandigarh. Apart from the current rape and sexual exploitation case, cases have also been filed in the past, accusing Gurmeet Ram Rahim of multiple murders and forced castration of his followers. The case first came to light in 2002 when two female followers of Dera Sacha Sauda wrote anonymous letter addressed to the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, accusing the Dera Sacha Sauda chief of sexual abuse. Following this, the Punjab and Haryana High Court took up the matter and ordered a CBI probe into the incident on September 24, 2002.

BABA'S NETA NETWORK | Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh enjoys not just social clout, but has also cultivated a massive political network, thanks to his follower base. His sect’s Sirsa headquarters has seen VIP visitors like Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, senior BJP leader Anil Vij, former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal and senior Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda.

Why the Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Enjoys Huge Popularity

The serious charge of rape against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has not deterred Dera Sacha Sauda followers from taking to the streets in Panchkula. That’s because in Punjab and Haryana, where caste divisions are deeply entrenched in society, Dera Sacha Sauda promises a caste-free society. The Dera chief has laid an emphasis on “equality and humility” which attracts people from lower strata of society to his sect. Moreover, the Dera offers subsidised food and medicine to the underprivileged. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, during his time as Dera chief, has launched several public welfare projects, 104 of which are ongoing. The Dera has even won 13 Guinness Awards for de-addiction, ophthalmological, diabetes and cardiac clinics, tree-plantation and cleanliness drive.

RAM RAHIM'S VIDEO APPEAL | Late on Thursday, Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim had appealed to his followers to leave Panchkula, a development which may come as a big relief to security personnel who have been asking them to move out of the town. The sect head released a video and asked his followers to abide by law. "I had earlier appealed to maintain peace and calm and asked (followers) not to go to Panchkula. All those (followers) who are in Panchkula should return to their home. I have to go to the court for hearing the verdict and I will go to Panchkula. We should all abide by law and maintain peace and calm," Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh said in his video appeal.

Despite Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim making an appeal to his followers to leave Panchkula, many of them have refused to relent and kept sitting alongside roads and parks there. Since mobile internet and data services have been suspended in Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh, Dera followers complained of being unable to see the video clip of the sect head making an appeal to return to their homes.

POLICE WARNING | Dera Sacha Sauda followers have been warned by Chandigarh Police of “stern action” if they try to enter the Union Territory, which is also the shared capital of Pujnab and Haryana. The 1.5 lakh Dera Sacha Sauda followers, gathered in Panchkula, include men, women and children. "No Dera Sacha Sauda follower will be allowed to enter Chandigarh," the police said in a statement. "If they (Dera followers) try to enter Chandigarh, stern action will be taken as per the law," officials said. Prohibitory order under section 144 has also been imposed in the city. Chandigarh has already been declared sensitive as thousands of Dera followers have gathered in Panchkula.

The Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda has a strong support base in the Malwa belt of Punjab, including Bathinda, where its Punjab headquarters are located at Salabatpura.

Despite tight security arrangements, 'premis' of Dera Sacha Sauda have arrived in droves in Panchkula to attend 'Naam Charcha' (congregation). They have been sitting alongside roads and could be seen lying in the parks. Many followers of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh have also been camping at the Sector 3 park near the Panchkula golf club, under the flyovers on the Kalka-Shimla highway and inside the town in Sectors 2, 4 and other residential areas. A number of Dera followers have also congregated at the "Naam Charcha Ghar" (congregation centre) at Salabatpura.

SPECIAL JAILS | Security agencies in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh have been on toes in the wake of Dera Sacha Sauda followers flocking Panchkula ahead of the verdict. The Haryana government had declared the Chaudhary Tau Devi Lal stadium complex in Sector-3 of Panchkula and Dalbir Singh Indoor stadium in Sirsa as 'special jails'. Earlier, the Chandigarh home department had declared the cricket stadium in Sector 16, which is associated with early training days of legendary Kapil Dev, as a 'temporary jail on August 25', the day of the verdict. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s decision to be present in the CBI court in Panchkula has complicated matters as thousands of his followers are hoping for a glimpse of their controversial leader.

FLAG MARCHES | Flag marches were carried out by security forces in Panchkula, Sirsa, Hissar and other places, while many hospitals were also put on alert as a precautionary measure. The police are keeping a close watch on social media, particularly WhatsApp groups, Facebook and Twitter, and have asked people not to spread rumours. The verdict in the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is likely to be delivered after 10am. The verdict will be delivered by a CBI court in Panchkula.

Apart from the Army, which has been called out in Sirsa and Panchkula and is on the standby in other areas, the Centre has rushed as many as 150 companies of paramilitary forces to Punjab and Haryana. "The central government has assured all possible help to the two state governments in dealing with any situation as a large number of followers of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh have started arriving in Panchkula, Chandigarh and nearby areas," a home ministry official said.

NO MOBILE INTERNET | Mobile internet services have been suspended for 72 hours in Punjab and Haryana and their joint capital Chandigarh, while authorities are keeping a close watch on social media posts as well. However, in what appeared to be some relief for a stretched administrative machinery, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh appealed to the Dera Sacha Sauda followers to maintain peace. "I have always respected the law. Even though I am having a backache, still abiding by law, I will go to court (tomorrow). I have full faith in God. Everyone should maintain peace," the 50-year-old Dera chief tweeted.

PUNJAB UPDATE | In Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has authorised the police chief to impose curfew, if necessary, to maintain law and order. Fearing trouble, especially if the verdict goes against controversial Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, thousands of jawans, including 15,000 paramilitary troops, have been deployed in sensitive areas across Punjab and Haryana. Dera Sacha Sauda has a huge following in both the states, which are on a high alert.

HARYANA UPDATE | The inability of the Manohar Lal Khattar government in Haryana to stop the massive build-up of Dera Sacha Sauda followers in Panchkula has earned it a from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which made it clear on Thursday that it would not allow a repeat of violence witnessed during last year's Jat agitation when several people were killed. The court, which was hearing a PIL filed by a Panchkula resident, warned that it could even take action against the Haryana DGP if proper security arrangements were not made. The court also asked the Centre to provide adequate forces for the maintenance of law and order.

THE CHARGES | The sexual exploitation case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was registered in 2002 by the CBI on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court after anonymous letters were circulated about the alleged sexual exploitation of two 'sadhvis' by Ram Rahim Singh. The Dera chief, however, has denied these charges.

Thousands of 'premis', as Dera Sacha Sauda followers are known, have continued to flock to Panchkula for a glimpse of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, whom they call 'Pita ji' (father), posing a tough challenge for the security agencies. The Dera Sacha Sauda followers, estimated to be over 1.5 lakh, have camped in parks and on the roads in Panchkula to show solidarity with their icon. However, their whopping numbers have created a security nightmare.