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Haryana govt suspends Panchkula DCP for ‘lapse’; 9 Dera centres sealed

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August 26, 2017

 

Facing flak over failure to check violence by Dera Sacha Sauda followers, Haryana government on Saturday suspended the Deputy Commissioner of Police of Panchkula, alleging that a “defective” order by him allowed the crowd build-up in the district.

Yes there was a lapse and that why we have suspended DCP Panchkula,” Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Ram Niwas said, adding that the prohibitory order issued by the officer only barred carrying of weapons and not a gathering of five or more persons.

An official order said that IPS officer Ashok Kumar, DCP Panchkula, has been put under suspension with immediate effect.

At least 31 people were killed and 250 injured in Panchkula after frenzied Dera followers went on a rampage following the rape conviction of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh by a special Central Bureau of Investigation court on Friday.

“It was because of the defective prohibitory orders issued under Section 144 by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Panchkula) that a large number of Dera followers managed to come to Panchkula,” Niwas said.

Police has detained 15 Dera Sacha Sauda followers since Friday night in Sirsa even as the authorities have appealed to over one lakh supporters still present in the sect headquarters to vacate the premises.

The situation in Sirsa remained tense but under control, according to police.

“Police have detained 15 anti-social elements since last night,” Sirsa SP Ashwin Shenvi said.

Another senior police official said the authorities have appealed the Dera followers to vacate the compound of sect headquarters.

Army has taken control of the area after two people died is Sirsa on Friday following violence triggered by the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a sexual exploitation case.

At least 31 people have been killed and 250 injured in widespread violence, arson and police firing in Haryana on Friday.

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