The death toll in Panchkula violence has risen to 28 while 250 have been injured after Dera Sacha Sauda followers went on a rampage in various parts of the country, PTI reported. The violence has also affected the Railways networks in the country as almost 250 trains stand cancelled. "All trains going towards Rohtak canceled for tomorrow," said Neeraj Sharma, CPRO, Northern Railway, as per ANI. A trail of death and destruction descended on Panchkula, otherwise a peaceful city of Haryana, as soon as the self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted by a special CBI court in a rape case.
As violence took place in various parts of the country, the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered the attachment of all the properties owned by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, reported multiple TV channels. Within two hours of his conviction by a CBI court, the violence had left a trail of burnt vehicles, buildings and railway stations in Punjab and Haryana. Today's violence has brought back the chilling memories of last year when this city witnessed agitation by the Jats over the reservation issue. The supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda chief who had gathered here in thousands over the past four days were hurling stones, vandalizing media vehicles and setting afire several vehicles, including two-wheelers.
The Dera chief Ram Rahim was accused in 2002 of sexually exploiting two female followers. Earlier in the day, he was found guilty in the case and the sentencing will take place on Monday. He faces jail time of seven years to 10 years. The situation in the wake of the verdict has worsened in parts of Punjab, mainly in Malwa region, the stronghold of Dera Sacha Sauda, PTI reported.
