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This is an archive article published on August 29, 2017

5 arrested Dera guards had arson plans for Chandigarh, says FIR

The accused told the police they came in Ram Rahim’s cavalcade to Panchkula from Sirsa and after the court verdict was pronounced, they had plans to move to Chandigarh for arson and violence.

dera sacha sauda, gurmeet ram rahim singh, dera gaurds, chandigarh, panchkula violence, dera men arrested, indian express Police personal looking at remaining of the burning vehicles after violence by the huge mass of Dera Sacha Sauda supporters gathered at in Panchkula on Thursday, August 25 2017. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

The five personal security guards of Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Chief arrested by the UT Police were heading to Chandigarh for arson and violence. They had plans to target public gathering or government buildings, said sources.

The arrested guards have been identified as Dharmender, 27, who has been with the Dera for 12 years; Anoop, 30, who has been working with the Dera for 15 years; Maninder Singh, 43, who has been associated with the Dera for 25 years; Krishanpal, 43, who has been with the Dera for 15 years; and Sukhvinder, 36, who has 18-year-long Dera association. The driver has been identified as Ranjit, 25, who has been working with the Dera for three years.

According to the FIR registered against them, Dharmender was holding an iron rod when they were arrested at the entry point of Chandigarh near Mansa Devi Complex (MDC). Krishanpal possessed a 7.65 mm pistol loaded with six cartridges, Anoop held a stick, Maninder had 19 live cartridges in his pocket while Sukhwinder held a stick. Ranjit was driving the Gypsy.

The accused told the police they came in Ram Rahim’s cavalcade to Panchkula from Sirsa and after the court verdict was pronounced, they had plans to move to Chandigarh for arson and violence.

Police sources said the guards had planned to target some public place in the city or some government building with the weapons they were possessing.

The police suspect the accused were involved in Panchkula violence too as two of them had burn injuries on their hands. However, their petrol can was found to be empty.

Manimajra SHO Harminder Singh said that all the accused were unmarried and had been at the service of the Dera head. Sukhvinder, a resident of Tohana, Fatehabad, was a singer before he became a security guard for the Dera chief. Dharmender owns around 7-acre agriculture land in UP and he donates half his agriculture income to the Dera. Krishanpal and Anoop were masons before they became guards while Maninder Singh was a farmer.

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A police official said that the accused had got training in using weapons and rescue operations at the Dera.

Taken to Sirsa

The accused who are on two-day police remand have been taken to Sirsa by the Chandigarh Police for finding their leader on whose directions the accused had been working.

Jagpreet Singh Sandhu is a Senior Correspondent at The Indian Express, based in Chandigarh. He is a veteran reporter with over a decade of experience, specializing in legal, crime, and environmental reporting across the tri-city area (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). Professional Background Core Beat: He primarily covers the Punjab and Haryana High Court, District Courts, CBI Courts, and Consumer Commissions. His legal reporting is known for breaking down complex judgments and tracking long-standing criminal cases. Environmental Reporting: Jagpreet has become a key voice in reporting on the deteriorating air quality and weather patterns in the Punjab-Haryana region. Crime & Technology: He frequently reports on cybercrime, digital arrest scams, and the intersection of technology and law enforcement, such as the development of citizen-centric policing apps. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His late 2025 coverage has focused on significant judicial verdicts, major financial scams, and public health concerns: 1. Legal & CBI Court Verdicts "12 years on, CBI court acquits Haryana judge, parents in wife’s death case" (Dec 17, 2025): Detailed coverage of the acquittal of a judicial officer in a high-profile dowry death case from 2013. "‘Wicked & evil mind’: Court gives man 30-year term for kidnapping, sexually assaulting 8-year-old" (Dec 16, 2025): A report on a stern judgment from a Chandigarh district court in a POCSO case. "Man acquitted in rape case after victim found ‘very happy’ in wedding reception" (Dec 9, 2025): Covering a unique legal observation regarding consensual relationships and age verification. 2. Investigative & Scams "CBI registers FIR in Rs 1.14-cr Patient Welfare Grant scam at PGIMER" (Dec 19, 2025): An exposé on how funds meant for poor patients were siphoned off through forged documents and a photocopy shop inside the PGIMER campus. "Month-long torture, Rs 85 lakh transfers: How ‘Innocence Certificate’ led to a ‘digital arrest’ of an elderly couple" (Dec 12, 2025): Detailing a sophisticated cyber fraud targeting senior citizens in Chandigarh. 3. Environment & Public Safety "Panchkula air turns ‘very poor’, fourth worst in country" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the sudden spike in pollution levels in Panchkula compared to neighbouring cities. "Soon, you can snap that overspeeding car, and report to Chandigarh Police" (Dec 16, 2025): Breaking news on a new mobile application being developed to allow citizens to report traffic violations via geo-tagged photos. 4. Gangster Culture & Crime "City Beautiful in the crosshairs of gangsters" (Dec 14, 2025): A feature analysis of how Chandigarh has increasingly become a staging ground for extortion and rivalries between gangster modules. "Shooters wanted for Parry murder held by Delhi Police Special Cell" (Dec 18, 2025): Following the developments in a high-profile murder case in Chandigarh’s Sector 26. Signature Style Jagpreet is recognized for his tenacious follow-up on cold cases and his ability to report on courtroom drama with a focus on victim rights. His work often highlights administrative lapses, whether in the handling of patient welfare funds or the enforcement of environmental standards. ... Read More

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