Ram Rahim row: CPI holds BJP-led Haryana Govt. responsible for attacks

New Delhi [India] August 25 (ANI): Amid the ongoing violence after Gurmeet Ram Rahim was held guilty and charged with the offence of rape, the Communist Party of India (CPI) on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Haryana Government is in particular responsible for the attacks on media personnel, adding they should have anticipated such a huge gathering.

"I disapprove and strongly deplore the violence that has broken out in many parts of Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh. This violence should be controlled. I question the role of the BJP-led State Government of Haryana as they should have anticipated such a huge gathering," CPI leader D. Raja told ANI.

Adding, "Despite huge deployment of security forces, the violence has broken out and several media persons have been attacked and injured, several OB vans were burnt down. How the State Governments can wash their hands in such mob frenzy. The Haryana Government is to be held responsible for this kind of violence and attack on media. This needs to be condemned."

He appealed all sections of the people in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to maintain peace, harmony and normalcy.

"As far as the case is concerned the law is taking its course. If some people have different views then they should challenge the verdict at appropriate level. There is a legal course available but here we are finding violence and State Government's helplessness particularly Haryana Government's helplessness to control the violence," Raja asserted.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Tom Vadakkan said that law will take its own course, adding the legal process is for everybody as nobody is above law.

"I appeal for peace from Punjab and Haryana because without it, the situation will spin out of control. Let's have peace in these two states and law and order maintained. They should approach the whole issue with peace," Vadakkan told ANI.

Earlier in the day, Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab -- Manohar Lal Khattar and Captain (Retired) Amarinder Singh -- issued separate appeals for maintenance of law and order and calm after followers of Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) chief Gurmeeet Ram Rahim went berserk with grief and anger over his conviction on an alleged rape charge.

Others attacked electronic media crew and damaged OB vans of a private TV channel, forcing the police to lob tear gas shells and use water cannons and batons to bring a violent and virulent situation under control.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim, was held guilty and charged with the offence of rape by a Special CBI Court of Panchkula.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh took to Twitter to say, "I appeal to all Punjabis to maintain peace and harmony in the state. We won't allow anyone to disturb the peace and tranquility of our state".

Hours after the verdict was announced, three OB vans were set ablaze by protesters. At least ten people were injured and had to be shifted to a hospital in Sector 6 in Panchkula.

The Malout Railway Station and petrol pump was also been set on fire by protesters in Punjab Similar incidents were also reported from Bathinda.

Meanwhile, a camera person from AajTak was injured during the violent protests in Sirsa.

Speaking to ANI, Inspector General of Police Amitabh Singh Dhillon said, "Everything is perfectly under control, let us not sensationalize unnecessarily."

Soon after the announcement of the verdict, Ram Rahim was taken into custody by the Haryana Police.

National capital New Delhi and Bhatinda were placed on a state of high alert after Rahim's supporters resorted to violence.

The Dera Sacha Sauda, a spiritual sect was established by Mastaa Balochistani, on April 29, 1948, with its headquarters in Haryana's Sirsa district.

It has over 46 ashrams across the country.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim has projected himself as a spiritual saint, philanthropist, versatile singer, sportsperson, film director, actor, besides other titles.

He is a recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award for most popular actor, director and writer in 2016.

He was also nominated for the Dronacharya Award by the Yoga Federation of India (YFI) for producing "World Champion Yogis". Ram Rahim has also started his "MSG" range of "swadeshi and "organic" products in 2015.

His business is looked after by young followers of the sect, who live inside the Dera in Sirsa.

In 1990, Satnam Singh invited his disciples from all over the country, where he announced the 23-year old Gurmeet Ram Rahim as his successor.

Since 2002, Ram Rahim has been named in several cases dealing with rape, murder and forced castration.

In 2002, an anonymous letter to the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, alleged that the sect had sexually exploited two "sadhvis" and a case of sexual exploitation was registered against him.

It was also alleged that Ram Rahim warned one of them not to talk about the incident, threatening her with his political influences in the state.

The Dera chief was also named in the murder of a journalist murder case dating back to 2002 and the forced castration of some sadhus in 2015. (ANI)

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