Internet blocked to control rumours

While Haryana and Punjab vexed after the CBI court’s conviction of Gurmeet Ram Raheem on Friday, similar incidents erupted in Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan. Agitating in support for Gurmeet Ram Raheem, his supporters set ablaze the official vehicle of an engineer at Chahal Chowk area. The angry followers also attacked the employment office at Purani Ababdi area and set ablaze a sub-station.

While the police had anticipated an unrest and stepped up the force to control any large-scale damage, a handful of Dera supporters managed to conduct arson at three places. The SP of Ganganagar district, who patrolled several places, said the police acted swiftly and five people have been arrested.

“We had been in touch with the Dera people at various place and trying to convince them not to take law and order in their hands. Police vehicles had already been stocked with fire extinguishers and blankets if any supporter tried to self-immolate. Also, high water tanks were sealed off so that no one could climb the vehicles and create a ruckus. Before the judgement

The supporters, forming groups of hundreds, assembled at various places. However, when the cops spoke to them, they went back peacefully” said N R K Reddy, ADG …read more