Haryana sacks Deputy AG Salwara caught carrying Ram Rahim's suitcase
Following the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insaan in a rape case, Haryana fired its Deputy Advocate General, Gurdass Singh Salwara, as he was seen holding the so-called guru's suitcase. Salwara was assisting Ram Rahim outside the Panchkula court, embarrassing the Haryana Government. Haryana's Advocate General Baldev Mahajan confirmed the sacking of Salwara, who claimed Ram Rahim was his relative.
Haryana Advocate General Baldev Mahajan's statement
Salwara was sacked on Haryana Advocate General Mahajan's recommendation. Mahajan stated: "It is found that yesterday the (Salwara) accompanied the Baba. The Deputy Advocate General has relations with the Dera." He commented that Salwara, being a government employee, isn't allowed to do so.
Dera Chief seen aboard helicopter with "daughter" Honeypreet
Ram Rahim was lodged in an air-conditioned room in Sunheria district jail near Rohtak. Police sources say Manohar Lal Khattar-led Haryana government is trying to provide VIP treatment to Dera Chief. Surprisingly, the rape convict's alleged "adopted daughter", Honeypreet was allowed to accompany her father along with luggage on a helicopter, which was specially arranged for them to fly from Panchkula to Sunheria prison.
Ram Rahim kept like a normal prisoner: Haryana Chief Secretary
Haryana Government's move comes after accusations that it is providing VIP treatment to Ram Rahim in prison. Haryana's Chief Secretary, Depinder Singh Dhesi, stated special treatment isn't being provided to the guru. He, however, asserted strict action would be taken against those who have "done any sort of leniency" in their duty. He added law and order are being maintained in the state.
Haryana Chief Secretary Dhesi's statement
Dhesi stated: "The moment he was arrested yesterday, his 'Z plus' security cover stood automatically withdrawn. It was reported that he was being (provided with) an air conditioner, there is nothing like that. He is served the same food which other prisoners have."
Haryana Govt suspends Panchkula DCP over "defective prohibitory order"
Haryana Government suspended Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ashok Kumar, with immediate effect after massive violence erupted in the city. It alleged a "defective prohibitory order" by Kumar that "only barred carrying of weapons and not a gathering of five or more persons" allowed the crowd to gather. The government was under fire for not doing anything to control the Dera followers' violence.
Death toll rises to 32 in Haryana
The violence and arson by Ram Rahim's enraged followers have reportedly claimed a total of 36 lives in Haryana. In the epicenter of violence, Panchkula, alone, 524 people have been arrested while 24 vehicles were seized. Panchkula police also recovered five pistols with 79 rounds, two rifles with 52 rounds, AK-47, ten petrol bombs and cans, iron rods, and hockey sticks were recovered.
Army denies entering Dera HQ premises
The Army isn't planning to enter Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Haryana's Sirsa as of now. The Army, paramilitary and police forces barricaded the entry points of the premises, where tens of thousands of frenzied Dera followers are still present despite being asked to leave.
