Thousands of ‘Premis’ (followers) of the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda are thronging Panchkula in support of their chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in case the court verdict goes against him in the rape case.
The followers have been gathering at Naam Charcha Ghar (the congregation centre) in Sector 23 for a few days now, ahead of the verdict to be delivered by the CBI special court on August 25.
The number of followers is swelling, in a sign that the security forces may face a tough challenge in case of an adverse ruling.
While the police have barricaded many points in Panchkula to restrict entry of vehicles, a large number of followers were seen walking in groups to reach their destination. Several of them could be seen sitting and lying on the roadside around the Zirakpur-Kalka highway besides the city roads as well. Many followers have erected tents while some have taken shelter in parks.
Sitting along the road, leading to the congregation centre, B.C. Joshi, who hails from Udham Singh Nagar in Uttarakhand strongly dismisses the allegations levelled against the Dera chief.
He is facing charges of raping a former female follower inside the Dera campus, near Sirsa.
“He (Dera chief) is a noble man...if verdict comes against him I’ll sit on dharna here. I have told my family I may not return,” Mr. Joshi told The Hindu.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
Support Quality Journalism.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper, crossword and print.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath
Please Email the Editor