Ram Rahim Verdict: Smriti Irani condemns attack on media, advocates peace

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Friday condemned the attack on media, damage to property, while appealing to everyone to maintain peace following the conviction of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2002 rape case.

The Member of Rajya Sabha took to her Twitter handle and wrote, "Attack on media, damage to property condemnable. Appeal to all to maintain peace."

In a follow-up tweet, she wrote, "Kindly note this advisory has been given by the offices of the National Broadcasters Association."

She added, "Drawing attention of News Channels to Clause B of Fundamental Std. of NBSA refraining channels from causing panic, distress & undue fear."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also appealed to everyone, particularly his supporters, to maintain peace, while adding that any harm to life and property due to this unrest cannot be compensated by any amount of money.

At least 28 people died and more than 200 were injured in violence in Haryana's Panchkula city after a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court convicted Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in connection with his alleged involvement in a 2002 rape case.

His supporters had gathered outside the Panchkula court premises, went on a raging rampage, damaging vehicles (cars and buses), pulling down security barriers, attacking media persons, OB vans and public property.