13 dead in violence after Dera chief's conviction: Home secy

At least 13 people have been killed in violence reported from Panchkula and nearby areas in Haryana in the wake of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's conviction in a rape case, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi said today.
"So far, 13 people have died in violence at Panchkula and nearby areas. The situation is tense but under control," he told reporters here.
Mehrishi said 30 injured persons were brought to the PGI, Chandigarh, of whom 10 succumbed to their injuries, while 15 were brought to the Government Medical College in Chandigarh, of whom three succumbed to their injuries.

He added that there were incidents of arson and the situation was closely being monitored.
The home secretary also spoke to the Delhi police commissioner, who informed him that sporadic incidents of violence were reported from Anand Vihar, Loni and a few other places, but the overall situation in the national capital was under control.
He also said there were reports of violence from Sriganganagar in Rajasthan.
Home Secretary-designate Rajiv Gauba also spoke to the chief secretary of Haryana and took stock of the situation.
Sources said the home secretary had also briefed the prime minister's office about the situation.