An uneasy calm prevailed today in parts of Haryana and Punjab hit by violence after filing of a fresh murder case against the Dera Sacha Sauda chief, as authorities tightened security with the Centre rushing 1,200 paramilitary personnel to the affected areas.
At least 50 people were arrested in the two states and cases of arson, damaging public property and disturbing peace filed against them, police said, adding prohibitory orders were clamped in worst affected Sirsa, where the sect is based, Fatehbad, Jind and Hisar in Haryana.
Patrolling has been intensified to keep an eye on anti- social elements, while security has been beefed up at public places like railway and bus stations and malls.
Punjab ADGP (Law and Order) J P Birdi said the situation was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported.
The Centre has asked the states to take severe action against those breaking law and order.
"We have sent central paramilitary forces, 12 companies to Punjab and Haryana to take care of the situation. Strict instructions have been given to the state governments to take severe action against those breaking law and order," Union Home Secretary G K Pillai told reporters in Delhi.
Resenting the filing of a murder case against Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh by the CBI, sect supporters last evening went on a rampage setting ablaze four trains and around 37 vehicles, including 27 buses, and vandalised property in several places in Punjab and Haryana.
{{/usCountry}}Resenting the filing of a murder case against Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh by the CBI, sect supporters last evening went on a rampage setting ablaze four trains and around 37 vehicles, including 27 buses, and vandalised property in several places in Punjab and Haryana.
{{/usCountry}}The sect chief, who held a religious congregation at Sirsa amid tight security today, claimed the case against him was false and that his followers were not involved in the violence as it is against their beliefs.