Journalism of Courage
A man lifts a motorbike in a vandalized area by Dera Sacha Sauda sect members in Panchkula. (AP Photo)
Dera Sacha Sauda sect members overturn an OB van on the streets of Panchkula on Friday. (AP Photo)
Supporters, back toward camera, try to calm other supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect near an Indian court in Panchkula on Friday. (AP Photo)
Sirsa: Security personnel stand gaurd as smoke is seen after followers went violent following court verdict in the rape trial of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, in Sirsa on Friday. (PTI Photo)
A fire brigade truck burnt by Dera Sacha Sauda sect members lies near Panchkula's court house. (AP Photo)
A member of the media runs towards safety after he was attacked by supporters of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect in Panchkula. (AP Photo)
Tens of thousands of followers of Dera Scaha Sauda Chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh have assembled in Panchkula ahead of the verdict. The government is monitoring WhatsApp groups, Facebook and Twitter are being monitored to ensure fake news is not circulated. The Centre has assured help to the Haryana and Punjab governments.(Express Photo by Jasbir Malhi)
Dera spokesperson Aditya Insa had said on Friday that nearly 5 lakh followers had arrived ahead of the verdict. “Five lakh followers have arrived in Dera. The sect has contributed in various fields to serve humanity,” he said. (Express Photo by Manoj Dhaka)
On Thursday, one of the complainants in the rape case against Ram Rahim Singh told The Indian Express that she is hopeful that her long wait for justice will end Friday. “Fortunately, this case was handled by honest officers from CBI. They have tried their best to ensure justice to us. That’s why we have hope,” said the complainant. (Express Photo by Jasbir Malhi)
The superintendent of police (SP) Ashwin Shenvi and deputy commissioner (DC) Prabhjot Singh also visited the area to inspect all the check-post erected by paramilitary and police department. (Express Photo by Manoj Dhaka)
Over 15,000 paramilitary personnel are deployed in both Punjab and Haryana as a precautionary measure, while the local police are on high alert and watching the situation on ground and on social media. As a preventive measure the police has also blocked many roads using razor wires. (Express Photo by Manoj Dhaka)
