Sakshi Maharaj comes out in support of 'simple man' Gurmeet Ram Rahim

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sakshi Maharaj has come out in favour of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, who was convicted by a special CBI court in Panchkula in a 15-year old rape case, saying that he is being harassed because he is a "simple man."

Speaking to the reporters here, Maharaj said "Crores of people are supporting Ram Rahim, and only one person is complaining against him. Is one person right or are crores of people right? There is so much of ruckus over it, law and order has been disturbed, people are dying... Shouldn't this be a consideration?"

Further, condemning the legal system, Maharaj said that the court will have to bear the blame for it.

"The legal system has failed to see the point he was making. The court will have to bear the blame for it, not the goons who unleash it. Can the Supreme Court or High Court call the Shahi Imam (head) of Jama Masjid in this manner? He is also wanted in many cases... Is he their relative?," he said.

Following are the updates related to the case:

- Delhi Transport Corporation has suspended bus services to NCR due to incidents of arson.

- Panchkula is completely peaceful at the moment, flag marches conducted: DGP Haryana, BS Sandhu

- Dera Sacha Sauda followers tried creating mischief, case has been registered. We have CCTV footage, probe underway: Madhur Verma, Delhi Police

- Haryana Government had made complete arrangements; the mob was really huge: Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana CM

- Urged officials to work round the clock to restore normalcy and provide all possible assistance that is required, tweets PM

- Taking preventive measures, Chandigarh Police detains 81 people confirms Chandigarh DGP Tejinder Singh Luthra.

- Six private commandos of Ram Rahim Singh arrested by Chandigarh Police, weapons and petrol cans seized from them.

- Instances of violence today are deeply distressing. Strongly condemn violence urge everyone to maintain peace, tweets PM Modi.

- 29 people have lost their lives, and 200 are injured. Directed doctors for best possible treatment: Haryana CM ML Khattar

- Curfew has been imposed in Patiala.

- Passengers have been stranded at Bathinda railway station due to curfew imposed in Punjab.

- Heavy security in place; Rapid Action force also deployed in Bathinda.

- Curfew has been imposed in Punjab's Sangrur and Moga districts.

- High level meeting called at Home Minister's residence tomorrow. Home Secy and others senior officials will also be present.

- Almost 250 trains cancelled. All trains going towards Rohtak cancelled for tomorrow: Neeraj Sharma, CPRO, Northern Railway.

- Section 144 imposed in Noida and Ghaziabad

- Dera supporters set power sub-station office on fire in Sriganganagar, vehicle at sub-station premises also torched in Rajisthan.

- Officials say 28 dead, 250 injured in Panchkula violence.