Haryana and Punjab have been put on high alert with heavy security arrangement and prohibitory orders imposed ahead of the court verdict in a sexual exploitation case against Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Authorities have not ruled out taking Army’s help to maintain law and order.
Dera followers have been assembling in large numbers at the sect’s Sector 23 based “Naam Charcha Ghar” (congregation/ prayer centre) in Panchkula to show their solidarity with the sect chief.
The Haryana Government said except for offices of essential services, August 24 and 25 would be observed as gazetted holidays in Government offices, boards, corporations, and banks in Sectors 4, 5 and 6 of Panchkula only.
Educational institutes would remain closed in Panchkula district and its neighbouring city Chandigarh till Friday, officials said.