Just less than 24-hour ahead of the crucial judgment in the alleged sexual assault case against Sacha Sauda sect chief Godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh by a special CBI court in Panchkula, the situation in the Tricity appears to be worsening. According to reports, curfew-like restrictions have already been imposed in both cities to maintain the law and order in the region.
Internet services may be hit
According to reports, as many as two lakh dera followers have already descended on Panchkula and its nearby places. It is worth mentioning here that followers of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh have been descending from Haryana, Punjab and its neighboring areas for the last two days and the number of followers is increasing every hour. As a precautionary step, to keep misinformation getting viral that may worsen the situation across the country, the government may impose a ban on social media platforms in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, It was also reported that mobile internet services may also be banned in the region in case the situation demands.
Army may be called in
Sensing violence in Haryana as well as Punjab both the states have been put on high alert ahead of the CBI court verdict in the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. It was reported, that prohibitory orders have also been imposed in the two states. Though no official has confirmed yet the authorities have not ruled out taking Army’s help, if need be, to maintain law and order in the state.
Centre backing up the two states for assistance
To tackle the worsening situation, help has been assured by the Centre. According to home ministry spokesperson’s statement, the ministry is in regular touch with both the governments of Punjab and Haryana and has assured that it will provide all the help to the Punjab and Haryana government to deal with any situation in the states.
Curfew may be imposed in the state
The state administration is continuously in touch with Dera Sacha Sauda followers for maintaining peace in the region. According to a report, the state government may call in the Army to maintain Law and Order in the state. It was also reported, that curfew may be imposed, if necessary. Imposing curfew in the state will only depend on the circumstances and time but the government will initiate all necessary steps to reinforce law and order in the state.
Bus services to be suspended
Punjab State-owned transport service – Punjab Roadways has declared that it will not run its buses towards Sirsa from tomorrow, where headquarter of Dera Sacha Sauda is located. PRTC will stop plying of PRTC buses towards Haryana on Friday, August 25 when the verdict is to be pronounced in the sexual assault case against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
In addition to PRTC, Haryana State transport service – the Haryana Roadways too has decided to suspend its bus service to Chandigarh and Panchkula depots. Haryana Roadways has decided to suspend the services for two days from tomorrow.
Furthermore, no buses will ply from depots in Bathinda, Sangrur, Budhlada and Barnala on 25 and 26 August.
High Tech police surveillance
The security agencies in the two states Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh are leaving no stone unturned to keep the cities as safe and secure as possible. As per reports, to keep a hawk-eye vigil on the tight security arrangements to maintain the law and order situation in the two states and their joint capital Chandigarh, security agencies in the above-mentioned states and UT will resort to videography. Hi-Tech drones will also be brought in for aerial surveillance.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh will appear in the court
Through a tweet, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has assured that he will appear in the court tomorrow and has appealed for peace.
The Tweet says, “I have always obeyed the Law. Though I have pain in my back, but being a law abiding citizen, I shall definitely appear in court. I have firm belief on the almighty. All should maintain peace.
What is the case?
The case of sexual exploitation against Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was filed in 2002 by the CBI on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered for the case after anonymous letters were circulated that two ‘sadhvis’ (female followers) were being sexually exploited by the Dera chief. Though Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh followers oppose the charges against their ‘Pita Ji’ but the CBI is also investigating another case whether the Dera chief encouraged the castration of 400 men at his ashram.
There are chances of violence in the state due to the Dera followers that may badly affect the Tricity, but we have faith on our security forces that we are safe! It’s time to wait for the verdict in the rape case and pray for peace in India.
Source: Economic Times
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