Red alert in Gzb, Gurgaon remains peaceful
GHAZIABAD/NOIDA/GURGAON: High alert has been sounded in western Uttar Pradesh districts and security stepped up on Friday when at least 25 people were killed in violence that erupted in various Punjab and Haryana towns after a special CBI court convicted Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.
A UP Roadways bus was allegedly torched by two suspected Dera supporters in Ghaziabad’s Loni.
However, the police said it was not related to the violence in the wake of Dera verdict. Senior officials said two more buses were also set afire near Loni Golchakkar (roundabout) area which falls in Delhi.
“We have sounded a red alert in western UP districts and keeping a tight vigil on Dera followers returning to UP. Two companies of PAC have been deployed along with the police. Patrolling in areas bordering Delhi and Haryana has been increased,” said Prashant Kumar, additional director general (Meerut zone).
Ghaziabad district magistrate Ministhy S said prohibitory orders are in place and has been extended for two more weeks. All schools will remain closed today.
Love Kumar, SSP Gautam Budh Nagar, said, “All police officials, circle officers, police response vehicles are on alert.”
Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate BN Singh said prohibitory orders placed in view of the Independence Day are in force.
GURGAON PEACEFUL Despite tension, no untoward incident was reported from Gurgaon. A large posse of police, and 38 duty magistrates kept the situation under control. The Kherki Daula toll plaza was made free for an hour to ensure that there was no traffic jam or build up of vehicles as news of violence in Panchkula and Delhi reached Gurgaon.
As many as 450 policemen conducted a flag march.
An eerie silence prevailed at the Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram in Gurgaon’s South City-2.
The apprehension of violence affected normal life. Attendance in government offices and schools remained thin and corporates asked staff to leave early.
Internet services were affected in Sohna, Farrukhnagar and Pataudi. Many cab users in Gurgaon faced difficulties in booking app-based cabs.