Watch ground report from Dera headquarters in Sirsa

The controversial self-styled godman appeared before the court through video conferencing from the jail and Sources say was taken aback by the verdict, apprehensive that he would never see the daylight in his entire life.

Ram Chander Chhatrapati's son Anshul who had been fighting a long, lonely battle welcomed the verdict but believed Ram Rahim deserved death penalty for the brutal killing.

Earlier on Friday, taking preemptive measure, security had been beefed up both in Punjab and Haryana where the Dera Chief enjoys a sizeable following. Panchkula DCP Kamal Deep Goel imposed Section 144 of CrPC throughout the district Thursday. Police personnel had been deployed near the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak where he is currently serving a 20-year term.