Followers show strength, fortify Sirsa dera

SIRSA As many as 35 companies of paramilitary forces have reached Haryana ahead of the July 25 verdict of the CBI court in the rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

This is as followers have started fortification of dera premises and most can be seen patrolling the 6-7 km area of dera perimeter from both sides with a broomstick in hand.

Sources said two people from every dera follower’s house have been deputed to keep round the clock watch near dera premises.

All those entering Shah Satnam ji Dham are being thoroughly checked by dera security personnel , sources said.

Followers have made a human chain starting from Shah Satnaam Ji Chowk till Nejia Khera village.

FORCES COME IN

“Ten of the paramilitary companies will reach Sirsa by tonight,” said director general of police (DGP) BS Sidhu while addressing a press conference here on Saturday after reviewing the law and order situation in the district where the dera headquarters is situated.

He said police have identified districts of the state which have high concentration of Dera Sacha Sauda followers. “Besides Sirsa, these are Hisar, Fatehabad, Jind, Bhiwani, Ambala, Kaithal and Rohtak. Paramilitaries companies will be deployed here. I have directed all SPs of Hisar range, DSPs and SHOs to maintain law and

order,” he added.

‘STRICT VIGIL’

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The DGP said the police are keeping a ‘strict vigil’ on social networking sites. “If required, the police will bar the internet facility in sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas so that no one can spread rumors on social networking sites,” he added.

Hundreds of Dera Sacha Sauda followers, carrying sticks, gathered outside the Sirsa court complex where Ram Rahim was supposed to appear in connection with two murder cases on Saturday.

The cases pertain to the killings of Sirsa-based journalist Ram Chander Chhattrapati and former dera manager Ranjit Singh.

The dera chief did not appear in the court, citing health problems. The next hearing is scheduled for September 16.

The followers, including a large number of women, gathered in front of the court complex, situated near the Sirsa police lines. Haryana Pradesh Beopar Mandal president Bajrang Dass Garg announced the support of the traders’ body to the dera chief.

DON’T APPEAR IN

COURT: FOLLOWERS Sources in Dera Sacha Sauda said the ‘sadh sangat’ (followers) have urged the dera chief not to appear before court.

HT PHOTOS Women followers of Dera Sacha Sauda gathered near the court complex in Sirsa on Saturday; (right) sand bags being stacked to set up a security post at the police station.