Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape case verdict: Army on standby, schools, colleges shut

The Haryana government is bracing for possible violence in following court's verdict in a rape case involving self-styled godman Gurumeet Ram Rahim. The Dera Sacha Sauda chief is accused of raping two women 15 at his ashram in Sirsa 15 years ago.

The verdict is likely to be pronounced on Friday (August 25) and the Haryana government said it will seek the Army's help to maintain and order in the region.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the state administration to maintain law and order and asked for a detailed report over arrangements made.

The court made it clear that it will not tolerate a repeat of Jat agitation-like scenario. The court also asked the Dera chief to help the administration maintain peace.

In Punjab, 11,000 police personnel have been deployed in different parts of the state. 85 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed, and more companies will join them overnight.  

HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:

1. The Centre has also assured all possible help to the Punjab and Haryana governments to deal with any situation as thousands of Dera followers have already reached Panchkula.
2. Schools and colleges have asked to remain shut on today and tomorrow. Leaves of all policemen have been cancelled.
3. Chandigarh DGP Tejinder Singh Luthra said elaborate security arrangements have been made with over 5,000 security personnel being deployed at sensitive and vulnerable points to maintain peace.
4. "One lakh 'premis' (dear followers) have already arrived in Panchkula," Chandigarh DGP Tejinder Singh Luthra said and asserted that nobody will be allowed to disturb law and order.
5. State-owned Punjab Roadways will not ply its buses towards Sirsa, the Haryana town where Dera headquarters is located.
6. A complete ban has been issued on carrying of firearms, with orders to shut down private gun houses selling arms and ammunition to license holders, a spokesperson said after a meeting convened by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to review the state's security arrangements.
7. The chief minister also ordered withdrawal of 1,000 police personnel from VVIP security for deployment on field duty to strengthen the security blanket in the state.
8. Some reports say Gurmeet Ram Rahim may be flown directly to Panchkula to avoid any trouble by his followers.
9. Interestingly, Gurmeet Ram Rahim is yet to speak on the issue. He instead took to Twitter to give a message of "selfless service and meditation" to his followers.
10. "Selfless service, meditation and firm belief are the ornaments in spirituality," he said in a tweet and also shared a link to a Facebook video of one of his discourses.
11. with thanks : IndiaToday : LINK