Ram Rahim rape verdict: Traffic curbs, internet services snapped for 72 hours as Punjab, Haryana go into lockdown mode

The Punjab and Haryana high court directed the Union government on Thursday to take preemptive measures to prevent violence as 200,000 supporters of controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh congregated in Panchkula ahead of a verdict in a rape trial against him.

The army is said to be kept ready to tackle any eventuality as the court asked Haryana and Punjab governments why they allowed so many people to gather at one place despite prohibitory orders.

For his part, Singh tweeted that he would be present at the hearing in a CBI special court on Friday.

"I have always respected the law of the land. Despite pain in the back, I will be present in the court and respect law and order. I have full faith in God. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace," he said.

 

Anti-riot policemen stand guard on a barricaded road leading to a court in Panchkula on Thursday. (AP)

The 50-year-old self-styled spiritual leader's trial triggered a security lockdown in both states and Chandigarh with police closing schools and converting a cricket stadium into a jail in case his followers turn violent if he is found guilty.

The burly, bearded man who has scripted and starred in his own films and commands a near-devotional following is accused of raping two women in cases that date back to 2002. He denies all charges.

"The verdict could lead to potential large-scale unrest and violence," said Ajay Kumar, assistant commissioner of police (law and order) in Panchkula.

Preventive steps were taken following reports that his supporters have stockpile weapons,



including lathis and guns.

Thousands of women carrying sticks guarded the sect's headquarters in Haryana's Sirsa. They shouted provocative slogans against the government and threatened to "destroy everything" if their guru is harmed.

Moving swiftly to stop rumourmongers on social media, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh suspended mobile internet for 72 hours from Thursday noon.

"Bulk SMSes and dongles have also been suspended for 72 hours. However, broadband services will function normally," said Ram Niwas, the Haryana additional chief secretary for home.

Besides, all passenger trains to Chandigarh, excluding the Shatabdi, were suspended.

Airfares rocketed after the train cancellations. The price of a one-way, New Delhi-Chandigarh ticket shot up to Rs 14,000.

Bus schedules have been changed too. Punjab Roadways will not operate its service to Haryana from Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Muktsar and Bathinda unti Saturday. Haryana state transport buses will not go beyond Ambala.

 

Police officers question passengers as they check for supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect near Panchkula on Thursday. (AP)

Residents of Panchkula, where the CBI court will pronounce its verdict, remained indoors as Singh's followers swelled to 200,000. Police and paramilitary forces have corralled them into public parks.

Nobody was allowed within a kilometer of the court complex.

Nearly 5,000 policemen were patrolling the streets. Similar measures were taken in nearby Chandigarh and Mohali. Schools and colleges have been closed in all the three towns.