Haryana: Security Heightened In Sirsa Following Death Of Dera Chief, Followers Allege Foul Play

On Wednesday, Haryana government suspended mobile internet services in Sirsa till Thursday midnight citing apprehensions about a possible breach of peace due to the succession dispute in the Dera.

Security forces have been deployed in Haryana's Sirsa after tensions arose due to dera chief's death.

Source : ANI

Security has been stepped up in Haryana's Sira after the demise of Dera Jagmalwali chief Bahadur Chand Vakil as his followers have alleged foul play in the sect chief's death. 

"Security arrangements have been made. Not just our district police but companies from the entire range are deployed here, said Dabwali Superintendent of Police, Deepti Garg. 

Companies of the Haryana Armed Police, two companies of Rapid Action Force and 15 to 16 companies of security forces have been deployed for proper security arrangements, "so that no situation arises that may lead to law and order situation," Garg told ANI. 

On Wednesday, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet services in the district till Thursday midnight citing apprehensions about a possible breach of peace due to the succession dispute in the Dera. 

The religious leader died on August 1 at a private hospital following a prolonged illness. Following his demise, two factions led by Virender Singh and Gurpreet Singh respectively are involved in the tussle for control of the Dera which has followers in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

'Antim Ardas' (final prayers for the deceased) is scheduled for Thursday which is expected to be attended by a large number of his followers at the Dera. 

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Anurag Rastogi, stated in an order that there is an apprehension of tension, agitation and disturbance of public peace and tranquillity that may result in damage to public and private property in Sirsa.

The mobile internet services were suspended "to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours" through various social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

The suspension has been put in place to also contain the facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators through mobile phones and SMS who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities, the order said.