Mistakes that singed five states
An allegedly lax approach by the Haryana govt in the days running up to the verdict on Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was likely responsible for the violence that gripped five states and left 38 dead. Here’s how the govt failed to read the
AUGUST 18
Government clamps section 144 but a clerical mistake ensures the prohibitory orders are only against carrying weapons and not on gathering. This allowed a massive build-up of supporters of the flashy leader that swelled to about 200,000 on the morning of the conviction on Friday.
AUGUST 20
The first of the Dera supporters start streaming into Panchkula.
AUGUST 21
The influx of Dera Sacha Sauda supporters turns into a flood but no fortification of security arrangement by the state government.
AUGUST 22
The number of Dera supporters cross 20,000. A second order is issued to impose section 144 but carries the same flaw: Weapons and not gatherings of people are the target. Ministers say the followers are peace-loving people and won’t cause any damage.
AUGUST 24
A day before the verdict, the government admits to the mistake in its Section 144 order. Issues a fresh one but is too late. More than 1,50,000 people have gathered in Panchkula. Security forces fail to evict them. A stadium is designated as a special jail but people aren’t taken into preventive detention.
AUGUST 25
Hours before the verdict, Singh is allowed to travel to Panchkula from Sirsa. Most of them are stopped at the border, and are later found to have been loaded with pistols and rifles. The conviction is announced. Minutes later, supporters go on a rampage. Police outnumbered in many places.