Ram Rahim rape trial: Home Secy directs suspension of telecom services in Haryana

Chandigarh (Haryana) [India], Aug 24 (ANI): Home Secretary, Chandigarh, Anurag Agarwal on Thursday ordered suspension of mobile internet service, short mail services and all dongle services by virtue of Rule 2 of temporary suspension of telecom services (Public Emergency of Public Safety) rules, 2017 in the territorial jurisdiction of Union Territory of Chandigarh ahead of Dera Sacha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh rape trial.

All telecom service providers in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and Principal General Manager Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) have been directed to ensure compliance of this order.

This order was issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of Union Territory of Chandigarh and shall be in force for next three days, from the time this suspension order becomes operational.

Earlier in the day, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has pulled up the Haryana Government over the security arrangements provided in the state in the wake of the verdict on the 15-year-old rape case against the Dera Sacha chief tomorrow.

The court also said that it would direct the Army if the needful isn't done.

The central government has, on its part, assured that a necessary action would be taken to curb any agitation.

Meanwhile, the internet and train services in both states have been suspended for 72 hours in Chandigarh.

The development comes after the state governments wrote a letter to the Railway Ministry to cancel 12 passenger trains coming towards Chandigarh.

Moreover, 22 trains have been cancelled in Haryana alone.

In addition to this, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has suspended 150 bus routes to the neighbouring states from today midnight till tomorrow.

Section 144 was also imposed across Chandigarh as more than 50,000 of Ram Rahim's followers congregated at Naam Charcha Ghar in Panchkula area.

According to a statement by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh's office, a complete ban has been issued on carrying of firearms until the situation normalises.

The Godman was accused with rape charges of a female devotee in 1999. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the investigation in 2002. On August 17, the special CBI court of Panchkula concluded the hearing in the case, but reserved pronouncing the verdict for August 25. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI