Chandhigarh, August 25: Mob violence erupted in Panchkula in Haryana even as Punjab, Delhi and Rajasthan were put on high alert after a CBI court on Friday convicted Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2002 rape case.
Panchkula was the worst hit where the Dera chief's supporters, who had gathered outside the court premises, went on a rampage after the verdict. The government has imposed curfew in various places, including Panchkula, Bathinda, Ferozepur and Mansa.
Sources said that at least 13 people were killed and 80 injured in violence that erupted after the court verdict in Panchkula. Police opened baton charge and fired tear gas shells and water canons on Dera supporters after they attacked media persons and vandalised media vans. Live bullets were also fired in the air to disperse crowds. The Malout Railway Station and a petrol pump were set on fire by protesters in Punjab. Also, two empty rakes of Rewa Express at Anand Vihar Terminal railway station were set on fire.
It added that to maintain law and order situation, 65 CRPF personnel, 10 BSF companies, and around 57,000 police officials are on duty. The Army is also on standby to avoid any untoward incident. Army columns moved in Haryana's Sirsa for quick reaction, as violent protests continue.
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