KalingaTV News
Puri: Tension erupted in the premises of Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram here on Friday evening after some locals protested against the violence by Dera followers in Haryana and other states.
Dera followers have been on a rampage in Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and other states since a special CBI court in Panchkula in Haryana convicted Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the head of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, of rape earlier in the day. As many as 28 people have been killed and over 100 others injured in continuing violence after the verdict.
Many members of Puri Sachetana Nagarika Mancha gathered in front of the ashram on Puri-Konark Marine Drive and raised slogans against the violence carried out by the Dera supporters.
Ram Rahim’s followers torched many vehicles including media vehicles at different places of Punjab and Haryana and New Delhi. They also attacked some news men.
Two empty rakes of Rewa Express were also torched by the mob at Anand Vihar Terminal Railway Station following which security was beefed up across Delhi. Section 144 under CrPC was imposed in 11 districts of Delhi including New Delhi.
Around 250 trains enroute to Delhi, Haryana and Punjab were cancelled due to violence.
President Ramnath Kovind has condemned the violence and damage to public property. Besides, he appealed to citizens to maintain peace. Many other political leaders, including Congress President Sonia Gandhi, expressed their concern over the clash and appealed for peace and calm.
Ms Kalinga AI