Expecting a negative judgment in a sexual exploitation case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, followers are making a beeline to reach the sect's Sirsa headquarters.

Punjab is on high alert in view of the upcoming judgment by a Panchkula court on August 25 in a case of sexual exploitation registered against the Dera chief by the Haryana police. Keeping in view the number of Dera followers and their past record to throng places where Gurmeet Ram Rahim paid a visit, Home Secretary of Chandigarh administration on Tuesday declared Sector 16 cricket stadium as a temporary jail where Dera followers will be lodged on the day of judgment.

Despite prohibitory orders, groups of Dera followers holding wooden sticks are seen guarding the Dera headquarters.

"Pitaji (Dera chief is called a father) is innocent and the allegations levelled against him are false", Gagandeep, a young follower told India Today.

Others like Naseeb Singh Insaan also echoed his view and said Gurmeet was a social activist and had done a lot of social service.

This inflow of followers in Sirsa and Panchkula cities is being viewed as a security threat by security agencies after some of the followers made provocative statements.

SECURITY TIGHTENED

Security agencies are keeping an eye on the entire situation. The administration has already imposed Section 144 in Sirsa and other districts, banning gathering of five or more people besides their movement with arms and ammunition.

"Besides the police force, 10 companies of paramilitary forces have also been deployed in sensitive areas. We are checking all vehicles entering the town at entry points", SHO of Sirsa police station said.

The police in Sirsa on Tuesday carried out a flag march and restricted entries by installing barricades at 25 places. Cops have appealed to the people to maintain peace.

"We have appealed to the people not to trust rumours and maintain peace. A special cell has also been created to monitor social media. Cops are keeping a strict vigil and nobody will be allowed to disrupt peace," Sirsa Superintendent of Police Ashwani Shainvi said.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened outside the CBI Special court in Panchkula where Dera followers have already reached in large numbers.

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