Take action against law breakers, not followers: Chhattisgarh CM on Dera violence

Raipur (Chhattisgarh)[India], Aug. 26 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday asserted that actions should be taken against those who violate law rather than the ones who support and follow rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Saud chief.

Talking to the media here, Singh said, "There is peace in Chhattisgarh. I suggest that actions should be taken against those who violate law rather than the ones who follow him (Gurmeet Ram Rahim)."

He added that there is no law and order situation in the state.

The authorities have said that the curfew will be relaxed in Sirsa for few hours.

It has been revealed that the curfew will be relaxed from 6 am to 11 am tomorrow.

Earlier in the day, Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) BS Sandhu informed that a cache of explosives was recovered from the state following the violent protests.

He added that the process is underway to sanitize the area in the periphery of the Dera headquarters.

BS Sandhu told media, "5 pistols (79 rounds), 2 rifles (52 rounds), AK 47, iron rods, hockey sticks were recovered. Petrol bombs were also recovered in Panchkula. Three petrol bombs and cans seized in Karnal."

Sandhu further apprised that 34 cases have been registered so far by the Haryana police in the entire process.

"At least 552 people have been arrested. The investigation is underway," said the Haryana DGP.

Meanwhile following developments have taken place in the DSS chief rape case:

- 30 died in Panchkula, 6 in Sirsa, 269 injured.

- There are about 3000-4000 people at Dera Sacha Sauda, Sirsa and are vacating gradually.

- No incident reported in last 24 hours.

- Court will be in Sonaria (jail), Rohtak and arrangements being made.

- Notification has been issued to make arrangements for sitting of CBI Court in Sunaria District Jail, Panchkula for pronouncement of quantum of sentence against Ram Rahim Singh.

- However, Haryana DGP B S Sandhu has said that, "Ram Rahim Singh won't be produced in Panchkula".

- Deputy Advocate General Gurdas Singh Salwara was sacked after he was reportedly seen carried luggage of Ram Rahim Singh.

- People have vacated Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram in Bajenka village and the whole premises are being inspected by Police and Army in located in Sirsa district of Haryana.

- We found axes, batons, petrol bombs etc there. All objectionable objects have been seized and Dera has been completely vacated says Kaithal DC.

- Curfew will be relaxed, will assess situation, if everything remains peaceful will lift curfew in coming time says SSP Bhatinda, Punjab.

- Post-mortem of the bodies of deceased is underway; 90 people were admitted last night, no case of bullet injury has been found, says CMO, Civil Hospital, Panchkula.

- Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh chaired a high-level meeting to assess the law and order situation in the state after the violence which erupted post Ram Rahim Verdict.

- Punjab Police and Army conducted a flag march in the Moga district of Punjab.

- Police is in the process of establishing the identity of the 28 dead persons says Haryana Chief Secretary Depinder Singh.

Yesterday, Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab - Manohar Lal Khattar and Captain 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. (ANI)

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