Followers gather in Panchkula in large numbers ahead of verdict

Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, August 22

The followers of Dera Sacha Sauda have started reaching Naam Charcha Ghar in Sector 23, Panchkula, in large numbers in view of the CBI court’s verdict in a rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on August 25.

Sources revealed that more than 20,000 followers have reached Panchkula. They have put up their tents near Naam Charcha Ghar and are staying there.

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Schools and colleges in Sector 1, which has been completely barricaded by police, will remain closed for three days from August 23 to 25. The district court complex is in Sector 1, Panchkula.

The Chandigarh Police in a press release on Tuesday declared that the Cricket Stadium in Sector 16, Chandigarh, will be used as a “temporary jail” on the date of the hearing.

The Panchkula Police have put up barricades around Sector 1 and also closed the dividing road of Sector 1 and 2.

The public is facing inconvenience due to the security arrangements.

The Panchkula district court Bar Association has also decided to suspend work from August 23 to 25 claiming that security arrangements will lead to their harassment.  

Today, arguments were also exchanged between advocates and police over the entry of advocates in the court complex.

Panchkula Police also stopped some Dera followers at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, who were trying to enter the main city.

Meanwhile, Panchkula DC Gauri Prashar Joshi today convened a meeting with the Dera followers and urged them to lend support to the district administration in maintaining peace and law and order situation.

Panchkula MLA Gian Chand Gupta also appealed to the Dera supporters to cooperate in maintaining peace.

“They should respect the court decision, whatever it is,” he said.

Ram Niwas, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Haryana, said Section 144 had been imposed in all districts of the state and carrying of any kind of stick or weapon had been prohibited at Naam Charcha Ghar of Dera followers.

Interacting with media persons here, he urged Dera followers not to take any steps that would stain the image of the Dera.

“Action will be taken against those who try to disturb the law-and-order situation in the state,” he said.