Friday saw a violent protest between Dera Sacha Sauda (religious cult) and the state of Haryana. The Chief of this religious cult, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted of rape on Friday, this led to the massive riots in the State claiming the lives of 30 people and injuring more than 250.
The government was out of options and by the end of Friday evening Section 144 CrPC (prohibition of more than four people gathering together) was imposed in 11 districts including New Delhi.
The police reported the prohibitory order will remain active until the 8th of September.
The riots began immediately after the verdict was given after which media persons ran for their lives as the members of Dera Sacha Sauda burnt down buses and media vans.
President Ram Nath Kovind Tweeted, “Violence and damage to public property after court verdict is highly condemnable; appeal to all citizens to maintain peace.”
Section 144 has also been imposed in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Baghpat. It has been imposed in Noida and Ghaziabad due to violent protests in Punjab and Haryana.
Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar admitted there was a lack of action from their side. He went on to explain, “Some people have lost lives and vehicles have been set on fire while government property to has been damaged. Some OB vans of the media have also been damaged by the mob.”
He further added, “All those who have taken the law into their hands will be punished. We have identified some culprits including those who fired (from the mob at security forces), some of whom have been nabbed and action will be taken against them.”
