Haryana, Punjab on high alert ahead of verdict in rape case against Dera chief

August 24, 2017 09:16

Haryana and Punjab have been put on high alert and prohibitory orders imposed ahead of the court verdict in a sexual exploitation case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on Friday with authorities not

ruling out taking army's help to maintain law and order.

The Centre has also assured all possible help to the Punjab and Haryana governments to deal with any situation.

"We are in regular touch with the governments of Punjab and Haryana. Whatever help is required, will be provided," a home ministry spokesperson said in Delhi.

Security forces were carrying out flag marches at many sensitive places in both the states. Paramilitary forces have already reached Punjab and Haryana and many more are on way to sensitive places there.

Terming the situation dynamic, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ram Niwas said the state has got eight additional companies of paramilitary forces and an additional 2,500 police personnel from internal sources have also been mobilised for deployment in different parts of the state.

Responding to reporters' questions, he said, "The state government would also call in the army, if necessary, impose curfew according to time and circumstances and initiate all steps required to maintain law and order in the state."

The state administration is continuously in touch with Dera followers for maintaining peace, Niwas said.

Dera followers have been assembling in large numbers at the sect's Sector 23 based "Naam Charcha Ghar" (congregation/ prayer centre) in Panchkula to show their solidarity with the sect chief.

With the arrival of Dera followers, including women, in Chandigarh's neighbouring city Panchkula, the Union Territory has been declared "sensitive".

"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.

He said elaborate security arrangements have been made with over 5,000 security personnel being deployed at sensitive and vulnerable points to maintain peace.

Gauri Prashar Joshi, the Deputy Commissioner of Panchkula, which has been declared a highly sensitive zone, said there is a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces near the routes leading to the district court complex in Panchkula.

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