LIVE: Ahead of Ram Rahim rape case verdict, mobile internet banned in Haryana, Punjab

Massive security arrangements have been put in place in Chandigarh and Panchkula as largescale violence feared by followers of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim who will be appearing in court on Friday for hearing in a rape case against him.

The Dera Sacha Sauda chief is accused of raping two women 15 at his ashram in Sirsa 15 years ago.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has pulled up both the Centre and Haryana government warning them against repeat of Jat agitation-like violence by Dera followers. Thousands of Ram Rahim supporters are already camping in Panchkula, where a special court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on Friday (August 25).

HERE ARE THE LATEST UPDATES:

• At least 22 trains heading to Haryana on Friday have been cancelled in view of the law and order situation in the state.
• The Punjab Government has declared holiday on Friday for government offices situated at Chandigarh, ANI reported.
• The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has suspended 150 bus routes to neighbouring states from today midnight till tomorrow.
• 22 trains cancelled in Haryana ahead of court verdict in a rape case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
• Haryana government suspends mobile internet services for the next 72 hours.
• Will direct army if you won't do the needful: HC to Centre. All necessary steps have been taken, assures Centre.

with thanks : IndiaToday : LINK : for more UPDATES. Must view.

Ram Rahim trial: Punjab, Haryana must be tough and careful in dealing with Dera followers

It’s a script at once familiar and frightful. Instances of self-styled godmen finding themselves in the crosshairs of law of the land are a recurring theme.

But, the latest flashpoint ahead of a CBI court’s verdict tomorrow, August 25, on the rape case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the colourful and controversial head of Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda, has put both Haryana and Punjab on the edge.

Tensions have sharply spiralled in both states where the sect has a sizable following. The mammoth gathering of the Dera faithful, who address themselves as ‘premis’, at Panckula where Singh has been directed to appear before the CBI judge, has presented a clear and present danger to law and order.

In spite of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Haryana and barricading on roads, over 150,000 Dera followers, mostly women, had defiantly marched to the Chandigarh suburb and are camping at ground zero. By the time the legal denouement in the rape case based on the allegations of two female followers in 2002 is made, the number of ‘premis’ gathered, police officials apprehend, may swell to 500,000.

The CBI court has been fortified with multi-layered security, but Singh’s announcement that he will appear at court tomorrow despite a “back ache” will mean that maintaining law and order will be a daunting challenge for the Haryana government.

Making it a potentially explosive situation are high-level intelligence assessments that the frenzied followers may turn into an unruly mob in case of an adverse judgment against their chief. Such fears are not exaggerated, going by his followers’ spirited mobilisation and shrill defence of Singh’s innocence on social media platforms.

with thanks : HindustanTimes : LINK : for more details

Haryana govt to fly Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim to CBI court for hearing in rape case

CHANDIGARH: Sensing trouble ahead of the verdict in the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, the Haryana government is likely to fly him for the court hearing.

Highly placed sources said that the state government might bring the Dera chief from his Dera headquarters’ in Sisra to Panchkula by a helicopter as the Panchkula district authorities have prepared a helipad at the Sector 5 parade ground in this regard. From the helipad he will be brought to court under heavy police protection. It is learnt that the road from the parade ground to the court complex in Panchkula will remain sealed from August 24.

The controversial godman enjoys a Z-plus security cover by the Haryana Police.  This case of sexual exploitation was registered against him in 2002 by a CBI court after anonymous letters were circulated that he exploited his two ‘Sadhvis’ (female followers). He was charged in 2007 and the trial began the following year after the CBI took the testimonies of the two women. He had been denying these charges.

Related Article
• Tri-cities Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali under siege by Dera Sacha Sauda followers ahead of verdict

A second case was registered against him for instigating the murder of Haryana-based journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati for his writings against the Dera. Chhatrapati was killed on August 24, 2002. While one of the accused was caught on spot the other was arrested a few days later.

Dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is one of the accused in the Ranjit Singh murder case. Singh, who had distanced himself from the Dera, was called to Sirsa in June 2002 and threatened by accused Avtar Singh and Inder Sain to seek apology from Gurmeet Ram Rahim for having circulated anonymous letters and in July 2002 he was allegedly shot dead.

In 2014 the CBI has also registered a case against him for forcible castration of 400 followers on the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court,  investigation are still going in that case as the bapex agency has recorded the statements of about dozen such victims.

In another case the CBI filed a closure report in 2010 as there were allegation on the dera chief and three others that they hatched a conspiracy and gor his driver Faquir Chand disappeared in 1991.

In 2007 Rahim Singh was booked by Punjab Police for imitating Guru Gobind Singh and a couple of years back he was acquitted by the local court.

with thanks : newindianexpress : LINK

Photos| Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape trial: High alert as ‘premis’ swarm Panchkula

Please view more pics from the : Hindustan Times : LINK : Must view

#RamRahimcaseverdict : Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape case verdict : Video

Gurmeet Ram Rahim rape case verdict : Army on Standby, Schools & colleges closed, Buses & trains cancelled, Internet banned. Ladies being asked in Chandigarh to remain indoors. Everyone texting others to Take care. Its being said that almost 1 Lakh police personals have been deployed while over 10 lakh followers of Ram Rahim have gathered. What the hell is going on ?

Please view the vids as below : 

Ram Rahim Says See You In Court, Asks Followers To Keep Calm

CHANDIGARH: 

At least two major cities - Chandigarh and Panchkula - are in complete lockdown as they brace for a court verdict tomorrow on whether popular and self-styled spiritual guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singhsexually exploited two women followers nearly 15 years ago. 

Nearly two lakhs of Ram Rahim's followers have gathered already in Panchkula, some 15 kms from Chandigarh, where the ruling will be delivered tomorrow at 2.30 pm. Many of them say they have walked long distances in the hope of glimpsing the 50-year-old. Ram Rahim, also known as the 'Guru of Bling' on account of a penchant for bejewelled costumes, said on Twitter today that he will appear in court for the verdict, as ordered by the judge.

"Although, I have back pain, I will abide by the law and will go to court. I have faith in God. Please maintain peace," he posted.

"The health of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has improved now. He was unwell for quite some time," said SK Garg, a lawyer for the guru's sect, the Dera Sacha Sauda, which claims to have millions of members.

Yesterday, a spokesperson for the Dera took umbrage to Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattarstating that Ram Rahim would be present in court, suggesting it could cause chaos. The guru is given Z-plus security, reserved for the top reaches of VVIPs, and travels with a fleet of bullet-proof cars.

"Without holding any discussion with us, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has unfortunately made a statement that Guru ji (Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh) will come there (appear in court). It has led to a situation of confusion," Aditya Insan, the Dera spokesperson, said. "We have been receiving lakhs of calls from our followers. I came to know that 8-10 lakh people have reached (Panchkula) and an additional 15-20 lakh will also reach there," he alleged.

Ram Rahim's main campus is in Sirsa in Haryana, but his popularity traverses the border into many parts of Punjab. A stadium has been converted into a jail in Chandigarh to accommodate followers if they erupt in violence.

with thanks : NDTV : LINK

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

Why Ram Rahim rape case verdict has put Haryana, Punjab on tenterhooks

Ram Rahim rape case verdict: Haryana and Punjab have been put on high alert and prohibitory orders imposed ahead of the court verdict in an alleged rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Army has been put on standby for help to maintain law and order, while the Centre has assured all possible help to both states. The verdict will be announced by a special CBI court in Panchkula on August 25.

It may be surprising for many as to how a case against the head of a religious group has almost halted everything in two states. To understand this we need to look into the history of the case, Dera’s conflict with Sikhs and also about Ram Rahim, who has acted in films.

The case

The history of the case dates back to 2002 when a Dera Sacha Sauda sadhvi sent an anonymous letter to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, accusing Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh of raping her and many other sadhvis. The sadhvi had also accused the Dera chief of threatening her not to talk about the incident to anyone.

On September 24, 2002, the Punjab and Haryana High Court took suo motu cognizance of the letter and referred the matter to CBI for probe. According to The Indian Express, CBI had questioned 18 sadhvis. Some of them reportedly told investigating officials that Ram Rahim and his followers were “very dangerous people”. Two sadhvis had accused Dera head of rape. One of them even alleged that she was raped by the Dera chief so that she might be “purified.”

The CBI filed its chargesheet in the case on July 30, 2017.

Apart from the rape case, Ram Rahim is also an accused in the murders of Dera follower Ranjit Singh and journalist Ram Chander Chattrapati. Ranjit’s family alleges he was killed on July 10, 2002 on the suspicion of being involved in the anonymous letter by the sadhvi. Chattrapati, who had written a lot on illegal activities within the Dera, was shot at on October 23, 2002. He died in hospital after a month.

Tension

Both Punjab and Haryana states have a large number of Dera followers. Dera followers, most of whom are Dalits, are spread in other states as well. According to the official website the sect, it has around 60 million “faithful followers” around the world. The sect calls itself as a “Social Welfare & Spiritual Organization that preaches and practices humanitarianism and selfless services to others.”

Authorities fear the supporters would resort to largescale violence if Ram Rahim is found guilty. The Dera chief has, however, appealed for peace. Thousands of Dera followers, who are also called as “premis”, have gathered in Panchkula, at the headquarters of the sect in Sirsa as well as its deras in both states to show their solidarity with Ram Rahim.

with thanks : Financial Express : LINK

JHARKHAND BECOMES THIRD STATE IN THE COUNTRY TO IMPLEMENT ANAND MARRIAGE ACT

ACT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN ALL STATES SOON: SIRSA

New Delhi, August 23:  Jharkhand has become third state of the country to implement Anand Marriage act in the country after Punjab and Haryana. This was disclosed by the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa here today.

       In a statement released here today, Mr. Sirsa informed that Jharkhand Chief Minister Mr.  Raghubar Dass has communicated the decision to implement the act in their act in a letter written to him as he had earlier taken up the issue with him.

He said that now Jharkhand has become third state in the country to adopt and implement the act. Earlier Punjab and Haryana were the first two states to implement the act. He said that he had taken the task to get this act implemented in all the states and was hopeful that this task will be accomplished soon. He said that he was in touch with all the state Govt. and lg of the UPs to get this Act implemented in their state. He said that process to implement this act in Delhi was near completion. He said that he had already met Assam and Uttar Pradesh CM in this regard and was in touch with Uttrakhand Chief Minister on the issue.

       Thanking the Jharkhand Chief Minister Mr. Raghubar Dass, Mr. Sirsa said that this decision will enable the Sikhs residing in the state to get their marriages under the act and their problems in this regard will come to an end. He said that with its implementation a long standing demand has been met.

Happy Gurupurab- ਬੇਅੰਤ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ ਜੀ !

ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਰਕਾਸਿਓ ਹਰਿ ਰਸਨ ਬਸਾਯਉ ॥  ਜੁਗੋ ਜੁਗ ਅਟਲ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਦਿਹਾੜੇ ਦੀਆਂ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ ਜੀ ! With all the best wishes, B S Vohra

Raising the issues regularly : B S Vohra