Everyone must maintain peace in the sate: Manohar Lal Khattar

Chief Minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar appealed to the Dera followers to maintain peace in the state and warned them against any anti-social activity, following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

"I appeal to all the people to not violate any laws or orders of the state. The state is peaceful at the moment but strict action will be taken against the people who consider themselves above the law," Khattar said, while speaking to ANI.

Following the conviction of the Dera Chief to 20 years of imprisonment, Khattar said that the decision of the court is justified.

He said, "He has been sentenced to 20 years in prison and has to pay Rs. 15 lakh to each of the victim. Everyone must accept the decision of the court."

He added that the administration has made sufficient arrangements to ensure the security of people around the state.

Earlier today, Dera Sacha Sauda chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who was held guilty on charges of rape of a female devotee in 1999, was sentenced to a total of twenty years of imprisonment by the Special CBI Court of Panchkula.

Ram Rahim was convicted with the charges of rape on Friday (August 25) by the Special CBI Court.

The rape case was registered by the CBI in April 2002 against the self-styled godman after allegations of sexual exploitation of two women followers.

Following Ram Rahim's conviction on Friday, his 'bhakts' went on a rampage in Haryana's Panchkula and Sirsa, demanding justice for their leader and Punjab, Haryana and their neighbouring states have, since, been on the edge.

In what was seen as a massive upheaval, an ocean of people resorted to vandalising public property - by destroying public transport, burning vehicles and even attacking the media. 38 people were killed and around 250 injured in the violence.