Sirsa: An unregistered luxury car and some banned currency notes were on Friday seized from the Dera of rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh during a sanitisation exercise which also involved forensic examination of his so-called cave where he allegedly used to sexually exploit women. A huge search operation, involving hordes of police, paramilitary and civil administration personnel, was launched at 8 am at the headquarters of Dera Sacha Sauda spread over 800 acres in Sirsa, two weeks after a CBI court convicted its head of rape and sentenced him to 20 years in jail in two rape cases. The Dera premises houses educational institutions, markets, a hospital, a stadium, recreational areas and houses. To prevent any untoward incident, curfew was imposed on the roads leading to the Dera and mobile internet services in Sirsa district have been suspended till 10 September for the operation, which will continue on Saturday. During the 12-hour exercise ordered by the high court, hard disk drives and unlabelled medicines were also recovered, said Haryana’s Information and Public Relations Department Deputy Director, Satish Mehra, who has been authorised by the administration to speak to the media. [caption id=“attachment_4025347” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Search operations continue at the Dera Sacha Sauda. PTI[/caption] “Some rooms have been sealed, computer hard disk drives, unregistered Lexus car, an OB van, Rs 7,000 of demonetised currency, Rs 12,000 cash and some pharma medicines without labels or a brand name, a walkie-talkie set are among other items which have been seized,” Mehra told reporters. “Whatever articles are being found, the district administration has taken these in their custody and will follow the orders given by the Court Commissioner,” he said. Teams of forensic experts from Karnal and Sonipat in Haryana, and from IIT Roorkee in Uttarakhand, also inspected the so-called ‘gufa’ (cave) at the Dera, he said. “The forensic experts were coordinating with other teams which were already inside taking part in the sanitisation and search operation,” Mehra said. According to the rape victim, on whose complaint the Dera chief was convicted by a CBI court on August 25, Ram Rahim would sexually exploit women in the ‘gufa’, said to be the convict’s residence. The woman, who had dared to complain against Ram Rahim, had alleged that she had been sexually exploited by the Dera chief after being called there. She had said that prior to her exploitation, she would see some of the girls coming out of the ‘gufa’ weeping. Girls were deployed as security persons at the entrance of a ‘gufa’, the victim had said. The room of Ram Rahim’s confidant Honeypreet, against whom a lookout notice has been issued by Haryana police, was also searched and sealed. During the operation, the authorities also found five boys, two of them minor, from Upkar Colony, where some Dera followers premanently reside. “We found five boys, two of whom are minor from Upkar colony. The minor boys hail from Kaithal (in Haryana) and Uttar Pradesh and they were handed over to the District Child Protection Officer. Regarding other three we are asking them about their whereabouts and will later send them home,” Mehra said. There were reports of plastic “coins” or tokens being found during the operation but it could not be confirmed. The operation was being videographed and monitored by retired District and Sessions Judge AKS Pawar, who is the Court Commissioner appointed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday to oversee the exercise. The Dera complex has been divided into 10 zones for the purpose of sanitisation and searches, with each zone under the control of a senior officer. Forty-one companies of paramilitary forces were deployed in Sirsa district along with the anti-bomb disposal squad, 40 commandos of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and a dog squad, officials said. Fire tenders and heavy earth moving machines and tractors were also pressed into service. The help of blacksmiths was sought for opening locks, the officials said. Journalists were stopped about 7 km from the Dera. The Dera management had said earlier on Friday that it would cooperate with the authorities. “Today, the sanitisation process has begun. We have always followed the law. We will extend all cooperation in carrying out this exercise by the government and appeal to all to cooperate and to maintain peace and calm,” Dera chairperson Vipassana Insan said in Sirsa. Court Commissioner Pawar arrived in Sirsa on Thursday and held a meeting with top officials of the civil and police administration, including the paramilitary, to take stock of the situation before the start of the process. The Dera chief, who featured in a few films directed and co-produced by himself, also has some shops in the complex where consumer products launched two years ago under “MSG” brand are sold. The police and the Dera management have maintained that licenced weapons were deposited by most of the Dera followers at Sirsa with the police authorities. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier taken up a PIL filed by Ravinder Dhull, a Panchkula resident, who had raised concerns over the law and order situation and stated that over 1.5 lakh people had reportedly entered the district earlier despite prohibitory orders. Large-scale violence broke out in Panchkula after the Dera chief’s conviction in the rape cases on August 25, leaving 35 people dead. Six others were killed in Sirsa. The Haryana government had filed a plea on Friday seeking permission for the sanitisation process under judicial supervision, after the conviction of the sect chief, now in a Rohtak jail. The HC appointed a court commissioner for the purpose earlier this week. A report of the entire exercise will be submitted to the high court by the court commissioner, with a copy to the state government.
Dera HQ search ops Day 2 as it happened: Tunnel connecting Ram Rahim's cave to sadhvis' residence found
An unregistered luxury car and some banned currency notes were on Friday seized from the Dera of rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.
 "Dera HQ search ops Day 2 as it happened: Tunnel connecting Ram Rahim's cave to sadhvis' residence found")
Fibre tunnel also located
State Information and Public Relations Department deputy director, Satish Mehra, who has been authorised by the administration to speak to the media, said, “A fibre tunnel too has been located during the search of the dera.”
The fibre tunnel is filled with mud, he said.
Read the full PTI report here .
An NDTV video shows authorities collecting illegal explosives from the Dera campus in Sirsa
On day 2 of raids, illegal explosive factory found inside #Dera campus #DeraSachaSauda
Live updates: https://t.co/iQ9sMnzFRz pic.twitter.com/dKrqbH2zeV— NDTV (@ndtv) September 9, 2017
Govt begins inquiry into donation of dead bodies by Dera to private medical college
The health department in Sirsa has begun an inquiry into the donation of 14 dead bodies by Dera Sacha Sauda to a private medical college in Uttar Pradesh between January and August 2017.
Sirsa civil surgeon Gobind Gupta and a team of doctors from the district are presently in a multi-specialty hospital of the Dera to conduct the probe, as police and security forces continue conducting search operations in Dera premises.
Health minister Anil Vij had directed a probe into this matter.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Some of the goods seized from the Dera
Image courtesy: Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Some of the crackers seized by the police from Dera
Some Haryana ministers at fault
In this News18 article by KTS Tulsi, it has been opined that some Haryana ministers should face trial because according to some media reports, two or three of these ministers were heard telling Dera followers that Section 144 was not for them.
“The moot problem is not the lack of legislation but its implementation. If existing laws are implemented in their full spirit, such incidents will definitely be fewer to witness. However, the implementation needs a genuine political will and an effective administration. Haryana government and particularly, Manohar Lal Khattar, have proven thrice, they lack both miserably,” Tulsi said in the article.
We found a window-like path leading from Dera Awas to Sadhvi Niwas. Team is investigating the same: Dy Dir of Haryana PR Dept Satish Mehra pic.twitter.com/EGfBXGzgSH
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017
Window-shaped tunnel connecting Ram Rahim’s cave to sadhvis’ residence found
In a disturbing development, dearch teams have found a window-dhaped tunnel connecting Ram Rahim’s house, the cave, to the sadhvis’ residence.
Deputy director Satish Mehra informed the media that empty boxes, which are used to store AK-47 magazines, have also been found.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
More visuals from the mock drill at PGIMS Rohtak
Security personnel conduct mock drill at PGIMS Rohtak
The mock drill is being conducted to shift Ram Rahim — who is lodged in Sunaria jail — to the hospital for treatment if the need arises.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Two key Dera functionaries arrested for allegedly inciting violence
Two key functionaries of Dera Sacha Sauda were arrested for allegedly inciting violence in Panchkula following the conviction of sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case, police said today.
“Chamkaur Singh, who is the incharge of Dera Sacha Sauda centre in Panchkula and Daan Singh, who is also a key Dera functionary, have been arrested from Chandigarh,” Panchkula Deputy Commissioner of Police Manbir Singh said.
Both have been arrested in connection with the violence that took place in Panchkula on August 25, police said.
A Punjab police commando Karamjit Singh, who was part of the Ram Rahim’s security was also arrested by Haryana police from Patiala, police said.
The commando was nabbed for his alleged role in hatching a conspiracy to free Ram Rahim Singh from the Panchkula court complex, police said. — PTI
Dera HQ search Day Two: Illegal explosives factory sealed, explosives, firecrackers seized
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 9, 2017
Read @ANI story | https://t.co/QseNekvJyc pic.twitter.com/ifikMuGEFk
Buried skeletons suspected underneath ground near Ram Rahim’s cave
Sources said that forensic teams will start digging the earth near Ram Rahim’s cave, suspecting skeletons buried inside.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Separate SITs formed in Panchkula
Have formed separate SITs for all cases in Panchkula. Teams are working on their respective cases: Panchkula DCP, Manbir Singh #RamRahim pic.twitter.com/SANDg8Ifx6
— ANI (@ANI) September 9, 2017
Explosives used to make fireworks seized
Security agencies and district authorities again began with search operations at the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters near Haryana’s Sirsa town on Saturday morning amid tight security in the area.
A factory manufacturing fireworks has been sealed.
“Explosives used to make fireworks and crackers have been seized.
A factory, that manufactured fireworks, situated inside the Dera headquarters has been sealed,” said deputy director, information, Satish Mehra.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Security forces stand guard at Satnam Chowk, the main entrance to the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters, in Sirsa
Journalists also were not allowed to enter beyond this point while search operations took place during the day.
Image courtesy: PTI
Ravinder Kumar, a Dera Sacha Sauda follower, hangs himself in Ambala jail
Ravinder, 27, who was lodged in the Ambala jail following the violence in Panchkula on 25 August, allegedly hanged himself on Sunday, said Ambala Central Jail officials, reported The Indian Express.
He faced attempt to murder, rioting, damaging public property and assault charges. Held in judicial custody, he committed suicide in the washroom of the barracks where he was jailed with a piece of cloth.
Superintendent of Police (Ambala) Abhishek Jorwal said: “The family members of Ravinder have been informed about his death. A judicial probe has been ordered by the jail authorities. Inquest proceedings are being conducted by district police. We have videographed the scene of incident, where Ravinder allegedly committed suicide. A post-mortem examination shall be conducted.”
He was arrested in the violence that ensued in Panchkula after a special CBI court convicted Gurmeet Ram Rahim of raping two sadhvis.
Report on search operations will be submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court
A report of the entire exercise will be submitted to the high court by the court commissioner, with a copy to the state government. – PTI
Licensed weapons were earlier deposited to the police by Dera Sacha Sauda followers
The police and the Dera management have maintained that licenced weapons were deposited by most Dera followers at Sirsa with the police authorities. – PTI
Hisar IGP, Sirsa SP and district deputy commissioner were also part of search operations
Hisar Inspector general of police Amitabh Dhillon, Sirsa SP Ashwin Shenvi and Deputy Commissioner Prabhjot Singh are also part of the exercise.
Officials from revenue, health, education, Tourism and other departments also participated. Bomb disposal squads and commandos were also deployed inside as a preventive measure.
With inputs from PTI and IANS
Photo of the black Toyota Lexus luxury SUV without the number plate seized at the Dera headquarters
The vehicle was taken to the Sirsa police station.
Image courtesy: PTI
Hospital, stadium, resort, bungalows: Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters have it all
The Dera is spread over two campuses, 600 acres and over 100 acres respectively, about eight kilometres from Sirsa and 260 kilometres from Chandigarh. It houses a stadium, a hospital, educational institutions, luxury resort, bungalows and markets. Hundreds of people and sect followers permanently live and work in the mini-township.
The premises, where the sect chief lived, known as the “gufa” (cave), is itself spread over an area of nearly 100 acres. It is said to have ultra-luxury facilities. The campus has palatial bungalows of his other family members, none of whom are in the premises since 25 August, when the sect chief was convicted of rape and sent to jail. – IANS
Rs 12,000 in new notes, computer, along with luxury car, hard disks, seized
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Two minor children found handed over to local DCPO
The two minor children are among the five found near the Dera headquarters in Upkaar Colony. They have now been handed over to the DCPO.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Search operation peacefully ends for the day at 6.30 pm, will continue again tomorrow
“The search operation began at 9 am and peacefully concluded at 6.30 pm inside the Dera headquarter premises. It will resume again on Saturday,” said district deputy commissioner Prabhjot Singh.
He also said the forensic team has begun its investigation in Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s cave inside the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Haryana minister Anil Vij says Dera head has been convicted, not the organisation
Asked whether he would reach out to the followers of the Dera Sacha Sauda in future to seek votes, Vij said, “We seek votes from all.”
“It is the Dera’s head who has been convicted by the court and the Dera has not been declared illegal,” he said.
During the last Assembly polls in Haryana, the Dera head had announced support to the BJP. – PTI
“Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh would be killed by inmates if left alone without security,” says jail inmate on bail
A Rohtak jail inmate Somu Pandit said that the anger against the self-styled godman is such that he would be killed if left alone with no security.
#Ramrahimsingh would be killed by inmates if left alone without security,such is anger against him:Somu Pandit,Rohtak jail inmate on bail pic.twitter.com/qYwNaqpJrr
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2017
16 ’nakas’ set up near Dera Sacha Sauda’s headquarters
Sixteen ’nakas’ have been set up near the Dera. Forty-one companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Sirsa district. – PTI
Duty magistrates, executive magistrates, revenue officials also part of search operations
– PTI
800-acre Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters divided into 10 zones for sanitisation
The Dera, spread over nearly 800 acres, has been divided into ten zones for the purpose of sanitisation and searches, with each zone under the control of a senior officer. – PTI
Search team also found 1500 pairs of shoes, designer clothes and cash inside Dera headquarters
Search teams discover Lexus car, 1500 pair of shoes, designer clothes and cash from #Dera campushttps://t.co/tSHEGULrNO pic.twitter.com/EYHmq8qxLg
— ABP News (@ABPNews) September 8, 2017
Haryana health minister Anil Vij orders inquiry into 14 bodies taken from Dera to a Lucknow medical college
Following media reports such as those by News24, which said at least 14 dead bodies were sent from the Dera headquarters to a private medical college in Lucknow, Haryana health minister Anil Vij ordered an inquiry into the same on Friday. He has asked the Director General of Health Services to conduct the investigation at the earliest.
News24 reported that the no rules were followed and proper paperwork was not done. The dead bodies were taken between January 2017 and August 2017. The news channel also claimed death certificates were not issued.
“If this was done, the formalities should have been completed. The reason for sending the bodies must be ascertained. Orders have been issued to examine the matter and find out facts in this case,” Vij said.
Reported by Sat Singh, 101Reporters
Journalists not allowed to enter Dera Sacha Sauda
Journalists were stopped at the Shah Satnam Singh Chowk, about seven kilometres from the headquarters. The chowk, which separates the heart of the city from the Dera, is also under heavy security. – PTI
Have a look into Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters sprawled across 800 acres
Take a look at Gurmeet Ram Rahim's fancy world. What's inside the lavish Dera Sacha Sauda campus?#ITQuickie #RamRahim pic.twitter.com/inA1ACzQRW
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) September 8, 2017
Curfew remains in place
Curfew remains in force on roads leading to the Dera headquarters. The roads are also blocked and no unauthorised person is being allowed to move towards the Dera premises. – PTI
A deserted view at the main entrance to the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters in Sirsa ahead of the search operations
Image courtesy: PTI
Here are some pictures taken earlier on 6 September from inside the Dera headquarters in Sirsa
Haryana: Inside visuals from #DeraSachaSauda in Sirsa; Punjab and Haryana HC had ordered search of Dera premises in Sirsa yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Pu1N8pnJhy
— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
Lexus car found inside Dera headquarters brought to Sirsa police station
#Haryana: Lexus car recovered from Dera Sirsa Headquarter has been brought to Police Station Sirsa by police
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2017
Search operations being videographed by retired judge AKS Pawar
The process, which began around 8 am, is being videographed and monitored by retired District and Sessions Judge AKS Pawar, who was appointed as a Court Commissioner by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday to oversee the exercise. – PTI
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