Photos| Ram Rahim verdict: Security response falters in violent aftermath
Updated On Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
The arrival of nearly 200,000 Dera Sacha Sauda follwers in Panchkula and conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh on rape charges spiralled into violence and arson in Haryana, Punjab, UP and Delhi leaving at least 30 dead and 250 injured as security forces found themselves outnumbered.
1 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
Administrative lapses allowed followers of controversial Dera Sacha Sauda leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to rampage through Panchkula on Friday as Haryana’s BJP government misread the build-up before a CBI court convicted him of rape. The arrival of nearly 200,000 Dera followers and security arrangements in response proved mismatched in light of outbreaks after the verdict which resulted in the death of 30 people, nearly 250 injured, curfew impositions and reports of violence as far as Delhi. (Cathal McNaughton / REUTERS)
2 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
Reports of Dera supporters or ‘premis’ arriving to Panchkula in the thousands began emerging days in advance of the August 25 verdict. Police forces in Haryana and Punjab responded with flag marches to establish their presence as a precautionary measure. (Sant Arora / HT Photo)
3 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
With almost 200,000 ‘premis’ making their way to Panchkula by August 25, Army and Rapid Action Force personnel barricaded roads leading to the special CBI court in Panchkula, forming a preventive measure. With mobile data services suspended, schools, colleges and government offices in Panchkula were also shut in the lead up to the verdict creating a lockdown situation. (Altaf Qadri / AP)
4 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
Despite army, paramilitary and police forces present Dera followers reportedly swarmed the area around the court in celebration as rumors of Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s acquittal spread. The Court’s pronouncement of a guilty verdict however, sent the crowds into rampage. (Ravi Kumar / HT Photo)
5 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
With the Dera chief flown away from the premises to a Rohtak jail, angry mobs began damaging public property, setting fire to vehicles and pelting stones on security personnel who tried to disperse crowds. (Money Sharma / AFP)
6 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
Police and paramilitary forces resorted to using batons, tear gas shells and water cannons dispersing crowds into Panchkula’s residential areas. Curfew was swiftly imposed in Panchkula and later spread to Patiala, Muktsar, Mansa, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Moga and Sangrur. (Ravi Kumar / HT Photo)
7 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
Mobs targeting government buildings, railway stations, schools, power houses and state busses also attacked journalists, injuring many and damaging OB vans and press vehicles. (Altaf Qadri / AP)
8 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
With scenes of violence emerging, injuries and casualties were reported among Dera supporters as well as security personnel during clashes. At least 30 have been killed so far while 250 are said to be injured. Most of the deaths were reported as a result of bullet injuries. (Money Sharma / AFP)
9 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
Indian policemen retreat after being attacked by Dera Sacha Sauda sect members in Panchkula. More than 15,000 paramilitary troops and police officers, some on horseback, were deployed in the town of Panchkula but found themselves overwhelmed by Dera supporters. (Altaf Qardri / AP)
10 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
A member of the security forces reacts during violence in Panchkula as plumes of smoke from a burning vehicle fill the air. At least 15 incidents of violence were reported within 45 minutes in Punjab and Haryana after the court verdict became known. (Cathal McNaughton / REUTERS)
11 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
Police soon began pushing the supporters out from Panchkula towards the highway towards ZIkarpur and Punjab. (Ravi Kumar / HT Photo)
12 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST
As the dust began to settle in Panchkula and Dera supporters were rounded up or left on their own, reports of violent incidents in Uttar Pradesh’s Loni and also parts of Delhi were reported. (Sakib Ali / HT Photo)
13 / 13

Updated on Aug 26, 2017 12:33 PM IST