Ram Rahim verdict: Police seals 36 Dera Sacha Sauda ashrams across Haryana

A day after Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted in a 15-year-old rape case by the Special CBI court in Panchkula, the Haryana govt sealed 36 Dera properties across Kurukshetra, Ambala and Kaithal among other areas. Police also seized weapons and combustible materials such as petrol and kerosene.

The self-styled Godman was found guilty of raping two of his female followers in 2002. As soon as the verdict was out, his followers indulged in large-scale violence. Haryana, Punjab and neighbouring areas were soon found wrapped in a blanket of arson, restrictions and unrest.

The Haryana govt on Saturday faced severe criticism from Punjab and Haryana high court for letting the security lapse on their part and surrendering to the quasi-religious sect, whose followers ran riot across the two states to protest against Singh's conviction.

The clashes left around 36 people dead and over 250 people injured. Several media vans were set on fire and reporters were injured during the clash.

The quantum of punishment to the Dera chief will be announced tomorrow.

The Police raids in the Dera properties came in response to orders of the High Court that announced that all losses caused to property by Gurmeet's followers during the violence will be compensated by Dera properties.

The government seems to have acted on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Soon after which, the sect removed the mention of all its ashrams in various parts of north India from its website.

The Dera's congregation centres, a rest house and other properties were raided in Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Karnal and Panipat.

According to sources, police was assisted by the army in carrying out the raids, which were conducted following a government order.

As mentioned by the Hindustan Times, police with the help of army sealed five congregation centres and a prayer centre in Kaithal. They recovered about 200 litres of petrol, sharp-edged weapons, sticks and empty bottles.

The police also seized a luxury bus from a rest house.

In Kurukshetra, the police sealed nine congregation centres after the raid was conducted. They also recovered 2000 sticks and canes, sharp weapons and kerosene oil.

In Karnal, the police sealed 10 congregation centres after finding sticks and petrol during searches.

In Panipat, police took control of nine congregation centres and recovered stones and sharp weapons from there.

Dera ashrams where objectionable materials such as lathis, iron rods or other weapons were found had been sealed.

Similar raids were carried out in Mansa district in neighbouring Punjab.