At least 28 people were killed and over 200 others injured following clashes that erupted in Panchkula in Haryana on Friday after controversial godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was found guilty in a 14-year-old rape case, according to media reports.
The case against the Dera Sacha Sauda started in 2002. Soon after the verdict was out, his followers turned violent and attacked media vans. As the violence spread, Malout and Balluanna railway stations and a petrol station were set ablaze, The Indian Express reported. A train was also reportedly set on fire.
After the special CBI court in Panchkula declared Singh guilty, the Dera followers went on a rampage and attacked journalists, reports said. Over 200 people were injured in the violence, and the toll was rising.
A curfew was imposed in three Punjab towns – Ferozpur, Mansa and Bathinda, the Hindustan Times reported. Following the judgment, parts of Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh were put on high alert.